New Blessing at the New Year
by Rabbi Josh Breindel
It can be difficult for me to stop, to set work aside and allow myself to reflect on my life and my relationships. Making space to introspect, recite poetry and sing is rarely at the top of my to-do list. In this season, however, Jewish tradition is quite clear – that is exactly what we are now meant to do.
The High Holy Days, at their core, are a time to turn from the normal flow of our schedules. They are a time for us to let go of professional responsibilities and turn, instead, to a new awareness of ourselves and our world. As we join together over the next few weeks, we will be offered the opportunity to take stock of our lives and appreciate our personal and communal blessings.
Our observance of the High Holy Days contains a paradox. As I mentioned, our tradition calls upon us to reflect on very personal matters. But this intimate,
reserved experience is one that we observe in a throng of people! The entire community comes together, ironically, to engage in self-reflection. During this time, our public and private identities overlap and merge. By investing in a communal experience, we can grow as individuals, finding uplift in our shared worship.
The blessing of this time is a powerful one – we are offered support, both physical and spiritual, through our shared rituals and customs. On the most basic level, collective worship gives me the sense that I am not alone. As our liturgy reflects on personal shortcomings, it is a relief to remember that I am not the only person who makes mistakes. I find it far easier to acknowledge my shortcomings when I have the assurance that those near me (and in Jewish communities around the world) are doing the same thing. In this case, I can derive a sense of strength and confidence from my participation in this collective experience.
One of Judaism’s key teachings is for us to claim our place in the Jewish community. Just as we come together at the holidays, so too are our prayers framed in the plural (the beloved Avinu Malkeinu speaks of our Father, our King). This year, I am looking forward to worshipping with the Temple Anshe Amunim family: our congregation and its leaders, our guests, the High Holy Days Choir (ably led by Dr. Alan Gold), Jeri Robins (our cantorial intern) and our honorees. But the importance of community to Judaism extends beyond the holidays and even beyond prayer.
Last fall, I spoke at this time about the many ways to become involved in our temple life. Whether through attending educational opportunities, services, social action projects or social programming, many people took advantage of this offer and invested in our community. Our temple family is now larger than it was last year and we are a stronger community as a result. As we begin to look ahead to the New Year, I renew my invitation to you to become (or remain!) invested in our future.
After the holiday season, we will begin a process of community reflection. We will be exploring the areas in which you would like for us to grow and I will be seeking the most productive paths for us to attain those goals. For now, as we prepare for our High Holy Days, I ask for you to consider the many ways that our community offers to become invested and reflect on which of those might be right for you.
I look forward, so very much, to greeting the New Year with enhanced vigor and great joy!
L’shanah tovah,
with blessings for a sweet and blessed new year, -- Rabbi Josh
