Rabbi's Desk

Rosh Hashanah represets a new opportunity to change the trajectory of our lives. It's true, we do not need to wait for these Days of Awe to do teshuva or to re-evaluate the direction our choices are taking us. However, this season does create an atmosphere which helps make soul-searching easier to achieve. During these days, we make a mental review of the chains of decisions that have led us to where we are today. In the coming year, we dedicate ourselves to making better choices and thus improving our lives. We identify how we can take better care of our own bodies and health, how we can improve our relationships with others, and how we can deepen our personal connections with God.

On Monday afternoon (5pm at Sligo Creek), we will gather for Tashlikh. This symbolic gesture is a physical enactment of the spiritual process that is taking place. We cast off our sins as we vow to make better choices going forward.

Interestingly, Tashlikh is preferably done in a running body of water that contains fish. The symbolism is that just as the fish cannot escape the net of the fisherman, so too are we bound to get caught in a mess of our own making. We read verses from the prophet Micha: "He will take us back in love; He will cover up our iniquities. You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."

Opportunity for a new and improved reality awaits. Although we always have the power to change our circumstances, Rosh Hashanah motivates us by creating the atmosphere of teshuva. Please use that momentum to identify ways that you can take better care of yourself and better care of others in the coming year. Strive for a closer relationship with Hashem and trust Him to take good care of you and your family.

Wishing you a very happy and healthy 5780!