I spent a few days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur out in the Berkshires connecting with a dear friend, connecting with nature and connecting with myself. It is customary during the 10 days of awe to take a cheshbon hanefesh – an accounting of our soul. We reflect on our past year, seek forgiveness for our wrongdoings and begin a new year renewed.
I found the practice much easier this year as I was physically removed from my daily life as a wife, mom, and shul staffer. When we go on retreats and vacations, attend conferences or even celebrate holidays here at Temple Beth-El, we find it much easier to be present. We remove ourselves from the distractions of grocery shopping, carpooling, homework, etc. We become inspired by where we are, what we see and with whom we share the experience. But then we return, to a full inbox of emails, laundry…daily life.
I have often wondered how we maintain that sense of connection, inspiration and wonder during the time we spend in-between moments of celebration, reflection and renewal. Sometimes it is as simple as bringing home a souvenir that reminds us of our time away. Perhaps it is sharing our newfound wisdom and ideas with others. Sometimes it is as simple as coming to Temple for Shabbat services or for the next holiday (insert shameless plug here about our Sukkot celebration this Sunday at 5:30 p.m.!)
My hope for our community is that we can find a way to capture the sweetness of this season and sustain it throughout the year.
Shabbat Shalom, Rachel Mersky Woda Director of Youth & Family Programming
Services
Under the guidance of our medical advisory committee, we have moved to an optional masking policy for worship. We will continue to watch the numbers and, in accordance with the CDC, will update the policy as necessary. With unmasking, it will be even more important to monitor yourself and to stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms or have been a close contact.to anyone with a confirmed case. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
