Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Stepping into the new year

Yom Kippur began at sundown last night, and Jews all over the world are taking time today to consider the past year (5782, if you’re asking), fast to help their focus, acknowledge their mistakes and sincerely atone for them. Then they’re ready to set out into the new year with a metaphoric clean slate.

It’s the finale to the Days of Awe, which began with Rosh Hashanah 10 days ago.

I really like this concept: devoting serious time to reflect, measure, acknowledge transgressions and resolving to do better. We all need to be reminded of this, to go through the cycle at regular intervals and to take steps to maybe not keep doing the same things over and over again, expecting different results.

It’s also great that—after fasting for the day—you get together with loved ones and have a slap-up meal. (A guy I worked with at HBO once swore that you couldn’t get into a Chinese restaurant anywhere in Brooklyn after sundown on Yom Kippur.)

Well—whether you celebrate or not, I wish you an easy, meaningful fast and few causes for atonement. May your name be sealed in the Book of Life.

 

 

 

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