” … it was a relief …”
As we begin to prepare for the end of the Jewish year 5786 it seems the New Year will be upon us sooner than you may think, in September. The new year is a little early this year, but as my grandmother, Sadie, used to tell her goyim friends…” the holiday falls on the same date on our calendar each year, it is your calendar that is always off.”
Each year as the holidays approach, I remind myself of the people I have transgressed against over the past year. Those I think I should ask my forgiveness for these transgressions. This process is called Teshuvah and has a 4-step process to follow.
- Acknowledge the wrong
- Express sincere remorse
- Make restitution
- Change your behavior
The last time I asked someone for forgiveness, I sent an email to my mentor. He sent back a quick response…” you have done nothing over the past year you need to apologize to me for.” It was a relief and a wonderful feeling to know he did not feel I transgressed against him. I felt spiritually uplifted.
A big shout out goes to Tony Smith for ringing the bell on his cancer journey! gei gezinta heyt!
My fruit trees are currently full of pears. The early sweet pear trees are almost ready to pick, so if you want some, come by anytime (call first.) The deer, squirrels, and the ground hogs will get most of them if you don’t come by.
One thing I always keep in the back of my mind as a member of Temple Judah is we are all one large family. We come together to celebrate wonderful occasions like the outdoor services, Bat and Bar Mitzvahs, a baby naming, conversions, high school graduations and marriages. But we also support those who are ill and sit shiva with our members who have lost loved ones.
Please join the Temple Judah family and do your part and contribute to keeping the flame alive and burning bright. Don’t sit on the outside, looking in. Participate!!
Shalom.
Brian D. Cohen
President