Finding Meaning in Whatever Works For You

Friday, October 11th | 9 Tishri 5785

Shana Tova & Shabbat Shalom,

Tonight we enter into the 10th day of Tishrei, the final days of the days of awe, a time of ultimate reflection, repentance, and everything in between. No pressure, right? 

This week, I found myself feeling grateful for the month of Elul that leads into the High Holiday season. With the ten days in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it can be so difficult to find meaningful time for reflection as we transition back and forth between synagogue, work, school, the never ending to do list, and beyond. I think back to when I was in elementary school, and winning the perfect attendance award was so important to me (really I just wanted the cool plaque), so I insisted my parents drop me off at school after services. While there isn’t a perfect attendance award as an adult, we all have the demands that show up in our lives that can make it difficult to create the meaningful reflection time we might need during this time of year. 

As you prepare for your Yom Kippur, think about where you can find that meaning. For many, I’m sure you’re preparing to fight Friday night traffic to make it to Kol Nidre on time. Drive safe, and give yourself the time you need to settle into the space, to get into the mindset that will best serve you. For others, services might not be your jam this year, and that’s okay too. I have a friend who is gathering a group of friends Saturday morning on the beach to create a space for meaningful reflection together. I think that’s beautiful!

My point in sharing these ways of connection, is really an invitation for you to experience your Yom Kippur with the intention that fills your cup. Yom Kippur can sometimes come with pressures that can be challenging to experience the meaning. My invitation for you is to create the meaning and connection that works for you this year. It may look different than it has in the past, and how it will in the future, but whatever it looks like this year, is perfectly okay. I hope it fills your cup in all the ways. 

I’ll leave it short & sweet this week and wish you a g’mar chatima tova, may you be sealed in the book of life!

Ethically,

Emily