Rosh Hashanah is an opportunity for us to each have a fresh start, to imagine a better version of ourselves and the world around us. The High Holidays present us with the time and space to act with more intention, in Hebrew kavanah.
Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we let go of the ways we’ve tripped and landed far from the values we hold ourselves to. As a physical act, we throw our “sins” in the form of bread crumbs into bodies of water to be swept away.
During Yom Kippur, we stand together in community, calling out to the universe, swearing we will be better. The Al Het prayer gives us the road map of what not to do, but if we truly want to work towards a more just world, we have to choose to take action to cultivate that world more actively.
It isn’t enough to not have a hardened heart. We must open our hearts and our minds to protect our Tigrayan families.
It isn’t enough to not stand idly by while others are dehumanized. We must bear witness to the atrocities being perpetrated against our Uyghur cousins.
It isn’t enough to not be inclined to do evil. We must manifest justice for our Rohingya sisters and brothers.
This year, let’s create a world with more acts of loving-kindness. In 5782, let’s choose to hold up the world together.
Wishing you a sweet and happy new year
