September 2016
Transition: passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another. We manage transition on a continual basis in our lives. We transition from one task to another, one day to the next, the work week to the weekend and back. We transition through the seasons of the year. As we approach the end of September we will be transitioning to the High Holy Days and the new liturgical year.
Transition is difficult for many people. Some struggle with the end of summer, feeling disappointed that she or he did not do as much as hoped. Or projects started were not completed. People sometimes have difficulty moving from one task to the next, especially if there is an unexpected interruption. And then there are the major transitions in our lives: new jobs, new homes, children leaving home or starting new episodes in their lives, new relationships.
How do you manage expected transitions (small or large)? With thought and planning? Do you approach change of seasons, approach of certain holidays with anticipation and excitement? Or do you, like many of us seem to “stumble upon” the change, blink, question how we got here so fast and just move forward?
As we approach the end of September, how will you transition into Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? The words we use to reference these holy days: High Holy Days — Days of Awe; Days of Repentance — imply something special. Something to prepare for. How will you transition into this season? And how will you transition through these Holy Days?
Meaningful transition is a combination of thought, planning and action. What will have meaning for me? There are numerous websites offering readings, spiritual inspiration, prayer, thoughts about the Days of Awe. I bet you have a few bookmarked. When is the last time you visited one to enhance your spirituality? Okay that takes care of the thought. Planning. Assuring you have days off work if that is necessary. Thinking and committing to which services you will attend. When was the last time you attended Selichot? Yom Kippur Afternoon Services? The Community Break-the-Fast? Challenge yourself to add something to your experience this year. Whether it is participating more in our Temple Judah community, or doing something in the way of reading, study and/or prayer privately to enhance you High Holy Day experience.
After all, this sets the stage for the entire year of Jewish prayer.
Shalom,
Nancy
President