An image of an apple dipped in honey, courtesy of flickr user slgckgcAs we approach the sacred season of the Jewish High Holidays, I am filled with joy and anticipation. This year marks my third time celebrating with our temple community, and my family and I are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share in this experience with all of you.Rosh Hashanah ushers in a period of reflection and hope. When I hear the sound of the shofar, it helps me reconnect with my spiritual self. The Torah reminds us in Leviticus 23:24, “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts.” As a staff member, the holidays are not quite a day of rest, but I enjoy my calling to serve our community. I am excited to join with the team to ensure our clergy, volunteers and staff are properly supported to help all of you to experience a spiritual time.
Yom Kippur offers us the opportunity to seek forgiveness and make amends. As we reflect, pray and fast, we strive to cleanse our souls and return to our true selves. This time of year reminds us of how we can contribute to the betterment of our community and the world at large.
We will stand before the open ark, praying, asking for forgiveness, and committing to personal growth for the year ahead, hoping that we will again be written into the book of life. May this High Holiday season bring us all closer to our highest selves and to one another, and may we enter the new year with renewed strength, purpose, and peace.
I hope you'll join the temple community at Caramoor, and on our grounds, to pause, listen, and commit to the path of righteousness for the new year.
Shanah Tovah U'Metukah - a sweet and blessed New Year to all of you. May it be filled with abundant blessings, joy, and renewed hope.
