Dear Friends,
As we journey through the sacred Days of Awe, we come together for reflection, remembrance, and hope. This past Monday, I returned from Israel just in time for our communal remembrance ceremony on October 7th. It was a profoundly moving event, filled with stories, songs, and prayers that connected us all in honoring those we’ve lost. This year, October 7th falls uniquely between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, enhancing our reflections with added significance as we strive to find meaning in both memory and renewal.
Yom Kippur marks the culmination of these holy days, a time when we believe the heavenly books close, sealing our intentions and actions from the past year. In our tradition, repentance is more than regret; it calls us to initiate change. Maimonides, the great medieval philosopher, describes five essential steps: acknowledging our actions, making amends, asking forgiveness, committing to better choices, and ultimately transforming our future. These steps remind us that each of us holds the power to rewrite our path, shaping our lives through meaningful action.
In our preschool, we’ve been bringing these values to life through interactive and inspiring experiences. Recently, our young learners explored the Shofar Factory, where they not only discovered the significance of the shofar but also held and even blew one themselves! The excitement and joy in their faces reminded us of the power of hands-on learning, helping them forge a personal connection to our cherished traditions.
Throughout our community spaces, we’re sharing the sweetness of the season with apples and honey in the lobby, inviting everyone to celebrate the start of a more hopeful new year. Join us for one (or many) of our meaningful programs in remembrance of October 7th. From communal gatherings to fitness activities and artistic expression, we’ll honor and reflect, providing spaces for unity, support, and shared strength in our community. As we look ahead to Sukkot, we’re planning a community sukkah decorating event, along with shared meals under the sukkah. These gatherings are an opportunity for all of us to connect, celebrate, and embrace the spirit of unity that defines our community.
The High Holidays call us to act with purpose and responsibility, reminding us of the words from the High Holidays prayer book, that “repentance, prayer, and charity can transform the harsh decree.” As we reflect on October 7th, we’re inspired by the call to build a brighter tomorrow. In Israel, stickers cover the cities honoring fallen soldiers, reminding us of this responsibility. One commemorates Daniel Peretz Z”L, whose words, “If not me, then who?” capture a call to action. This Yom Kippur, let’s each consider how we can contribute—how we can help transform our world with kindness, compassion, and responsibility.
May our reflections lead us to deeper connections with one another and inspire us to act in ways that bring healing, hope, and renewal to our community.
Shabbat Shalom and G’mar Tov,
Rabbi Moriah SimonHazani
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