Dear Friends,
It is almost 5784. There is just today’s few hours left in the year 5783… what will we do with it?
For some of us, we have been hearing the calls of the Shofar for weeks during this month of Elul preceding Rosh Hashanah, and we are beginning to feel the urgency of the New Year. What will we do with these final hours of this year?
This is the question which every day should ask us to consider, not only at the cusp of the new Jewish year. But, in truth, many of us – myself included at this time of year – are caught up with the hubbub of everyday life, and it is difficult at best to reflect and ponder on how we manage our lives.
Hence, this period of the year.
Judaism provides us a time-out to check-in.
Now, before the year ends and the new one commences, let’s ask:
Was I as generous as I could be? With my time, my ears, my heart, my resources?
Did I learn and study? Was I curious, open-minded, magnanimous in judgment?
Did I care with kindness? Have I been empathetic and sensitive to those about me?
Did I heed teachings from our Tradition, and make them part of my weekly or daily life?
Was I deferential to those older than me, and did I hear concerns of those younger?
Did I love fully? Did I receive love graciously, and did I acknowledge love kindly?
Did I temper my reactions, listen to my inner feelings and voices, and act softly?
Did I fulfill my obligations, act in a timely manner, and was reliable?
Was I Godly in my presence, and was I respectful of the Godliness of others?
Such are some of the questions which the New Year asks of us. Now, it is our turn to reflect and consider. The Book of Life is open. Our Tradition urges us to consider that we Ten Days to merit reinscription in that heavenly tome.
May we surely be worthy, and may the New Year be one of Blessing for you and yours!
Rabbi Douglas Kohn
It is almost 5784. There is just today’s few hours left in the year 5783… what will we do with it?
For some of us, we have been hearing the calls of the Shofar for weeks during this month of Elul preceding Rosh Hashanah, and we are beginning to feel the urgency of the New Year. What will we do with these final hours of this year?
This is the question which every day should ask us to consider, not only at the cusp of the new Jewish year. But, in truth, many of us – myself included at this time of year – are caught up with the hubbub of everyday life, and it is difficult at best to reflect and ponder on how we manage our lives.
Hence, this period of the year.
Judaism provides us a time-out to check-in.
Now, before the year ends and the new one commences, let’s ask:
Was I as generous as I could be? With my time, my ears, my heart, my resources?
Did I learn and study? Was I curious, open-minded, magnanimous in judgment?
Did I care with kindness? Have I been empathetic and sensitive to those about me?
Did I heed teachings from our Tradition, and make them part of my weekly or daily life?
Was I deferential to those older than me, and did I hear concerns of those younger?
Did I love fully? Did I receive love graciously, and did I acknowledge love kindly?
Did I temper my reactions, listen to my inner feelings and voices, and act softly?
Did I fulfill my obligations, act in a timely manner, and was reliable?
Was I Godly in my presence, and was I respectful of the Godliness of others?
Such are some of the questions which the New Year asks of us. Now, it is our turn to reflect and consider. The Book of Life is open. Our Tradition urges us to consider that we Ten Days to merit reinscription in that heavenly tome.
May we surely be worthy, and may the New Year be one of Blessing for you and yours!
Rabbi Douglas Kohn