|
Some of you my know that Rosh Hashanah is starting next Friday evening, September 15th. How do we prepare for Rosh Hashanah? Usually I talk about personal reflection, apologizing, and trying to figure out how to become a better version of our selves.
So you might say that Rosh Hashanah is next week and you have not yet started to prepare? Not to worry. Look at the list below, which I have culled from an article by Rabbi Debra Orenstein. Even if you can only do one, or a few of the things listed below, it will help to make your High Holy Day experience more meaningful.
9. Make a honey cake, holiday brisket, or whatever your special holiday meal is. But do it with a twist. Make the dish with your children or grandchildren. Show them how to do it so that it will become a L’Dor V’dor (generation to generation) moment.
8. Blow the Shofar daily and/or listen to it blown at synagogue. I have heard the shofar every day, and have blown it for those who have called and asked me to. If you would like, call me and I will blow shofar for you over the phone.
7. Save Psalm 27 on your phone. We read this Psalm every day during this time of the year. Look it up on the internet and read it. It is a plea for connection with God and our tradition. If, after looking at the Psalm, you have questions, reach out to me.
6. Reflect on the past year. Physically look at your calendar from the last year. Reflect on the things that you did. Were there things that you had planned to do, but did not. Does your calendar reveal any lessons learned? Note that there were good days and bad days.
5. Having reviewed last year, now set some spiritual goals for the year to come. Keep it simple. What would you like to add? What would you like to subtract? Come to the JCC for services one Shabbat? Buy a challah for someone and leave it at his or her house on Friday afternoon? Write your goals down and bring them to services with you. Reflect on them during the service.
4. Listen and learn (with guidance). Look for an on-line podcast about the High Holy Days. Look online for the prayers and music so that you can be familiar with them before coming to services. (Spotify has several High Holy Day playlists)
3. Cultivate awe. Take the time to look at the natural world around you. Look closely at the tree in your yard. Look at the clouds or the stars. Look at the ocean or the bay. Be amazed at the beauty of the world that God created and be thankful that you are a part of it.
2. Heal relationships. Every year we Rabbis focus on this, but I am not sure how much of an impact it has on peoples’ lives. (Let alone our own). That said, this is the time of year to take time for some serious reflection, and then contact someone with whom you have had a conflict to try initiating meaningful conversation and healing. (This is not the time to send an email).
1. Do nothing. Rabbi Orenstein says: “That is, sit quietly for periods of time to let your mind settle and your soul speak. Some people call this meditation; some call it worship.” I like this exercise in particular. If it helps, find an inspirational text (it does not have to be Jewish) and use that to prompt you. I often say during services that I enjoy the moments of silent reflection. There is holiness in allowing our inner-thoughts to be heard.
May this Shabbat be peaceful.
May the year to come, 5784, be filled with good goals and good relationships. May we learn to communicate with those with whom we disagree. May we strengthen each of our relationships including our relationship with God, our relationship with people, and our relationship with our selves.
Shabbat Shalom and Shanah Tovah U’Mehtukah-
Rabbi Michael S. Jay
PS: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS YEAR WE WILL NOT BE SHARING THE MAHZOR ON ZOOM. WE HAVE SENT PDF’S FOR YOUR USE IN EMAILS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A HARD COPY OF THE MAHZOR, COME TO THE JCC. IF YOU NEED A COPY MAILED TO YOU, CALL THE OFFICE
| 
