| September 2025
Days are scrolls. Write on them only what you want remembered. I know that when this article is due, that the calm of summer is over and the month of Elul has arrived. My feet are in the starting blocks, as I ready myself for the holiday sprint through the beginning of the new year. The choir and I have been in music rehearsals for the High Holy Days for a few weeks now and the Holy Days are approaching quickly. Part of my preparation for the High Holy Days is the music, and the other is preparing for the turning inward that takes place. That internal dialogue, an honest self critique of one’s actions towards those that we have had interactions with over the past year, hoping to make it right for their healing and also mine. Rabbi Karyn Kedar writes poetically about forgiveness in her new book Unfolding, “I ask for forgiveness, to be better, to do better, to expand my capacity. To reflect light upon the dark corners of my soul, upon the dark world that waits to be redeemed. Hold me in Mercy, dear G*d. Hold me with grace as my light is revealed during these Days of Awe.” When I read parts of this over the summer, I loved her spiritual insight into forgiveness. Two thoughts came to me as I read this passage. One, it reminded me that this isn’t a superficial look at my actions over the past year. Two, the image of the dark corners of my soul and what light are we reflecting into these dark corners? I guess that’s three things. Rabbi Kedar did not use the word shine, she used reflect. I looked up the word reflect, and this is what I found: things that reflect light often have light coming into them from an external source. Immediately the Priestly Benediction came to mind, May G-d make G-d’s face shine upon you….. The word “shine”, usually means something that gives off a bright light of its own. Sometimes that is how I visualize G-d, as a bright light that doesn’t hurt your eyes to look at it. It reminded me that I’m not alone on this journey of t’shuvah. I look back with the intent of finding where I missed the mark, try to make it right, in order to strive to be who I know G-d, and my soul, wish to aspire. Actually all of humanity should be looking to be good, caring, empathetic, people. Treating those around us the way we would want to be treated, with patience, understanding, and love. I’m the first to admit that it isn’t always easy. This is when we need to “reflect” and walk in that divine light. I’ll close with words from Rabbi Kedar’s poem Unfolding; “I need these days to test my will, my willingness to re-form, to transform. There is so much work to be done…..I am in formation. Unfolding.” May your journey through the Days of Awe, reflect in and through you, the light of forgiveness, goodness, faithfulness, and love. The world surely needs it from all of us. If you need some guidance, I suggest you read Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar’s book, Unfolding, A Holy Day Companion. I’m looking forward to taking a slower read through it, so that I can savor all of its gentle beauty. L’Shana Tova, Hazzan Sherry Shabbat Summer Services Many thanks to everyone who led a Shabbat service this summer, read Torah, gave a D’var Torah, or helped in any way. I am very grateful and appreciate your enthusiasm, knowledge, and commitment in helping to keep our Shabbat Summer Services professional and meaningful. Watch next month’s bulletin for when Adult Classes will begin. Todah rabbah, Hazzan Sherry |