The Sweetness of Our Tishrei Lives

September 12, 2013  / 8 Tishrei,  5774

This time of the year represents two sides of the same coin …

There is an intense – if not urgent – texture to our approach to these days of the New Year, between Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is filled with great ambition, intentionality, and positive energy. The Jewish
people are basking in the reflection of their holiday gatherings, in which they have employed rituals, listened to
their religious leaders, and re-connected with the community. Ideas, plans, blueprints for living have been
shared, and – yes – we have finally accepted the notion that the holidays came early this year.

For this congregational rabbi, words of encouragement and praise for last week's undertakings have melted into
the recognition that the next set of plans and presentations must be ready for their Kol Nidre deadline. The
success and momentum of this brand new year are contingent on the delivery of an equitable share of clarity,
engagement, and facilitation.

My sense of security throughout this extraordinary season comes from the genuine sweetness permeates all of
the Tishrei holidays – especially in our dealings with each other. We are more vigilant to make sure that others
have a place, be they seats in shul or at someone's table. Although we go about the daily grind of work and
other duties, we defer to the spirit of this season by approaching others with wishes for a Happy New Year, a
g'mar chatimah tovah (Hebrew for “May you be sealed for a good year in the Book of Life”), or an easy fast.
In other words, we possess a very special sort of radar screen that includes the sensibilities and the well-being of
others, and that lifts me to a place of comfort amidst the demands to perform well.

Some of my co-workers have joked that it would be great if I could find a way to expunge these days of high
intensity, for just one year. We could take a welcome break from all of the labor-intensive work of planning,
organizing, and actualizing the High Holidays. In actuality the Jewish community did bypass Yom Kippur
once, during King Solomon's time, when the dedication of the First Temple took precedence. Indeed, I would
have loved to be around for that (on many levels)! Yet, as arduous as these weeks have been, I couldn't imagine
our lives without the annual system of inner cleansing, and the way that it compels us to be ever more sensitive
and loving.