“Changes”

As I write these words, the movers are in the process of packing and loading the contents of our home, in preparation for my family's move to St. Louis. As you probably are aware by now, they are relocating during the summer to enable my children to begin the school year in their new schools, while I will be joining them in November. The obvious challenges of this period of transition, made poignant by the presence of boxes, movers, address changes, and other signs of change have underscored the remarkable power of change in all of our lives.

Change can be powerful, liberating, devastating, destructive, overwhelming, exciting and more. Yet through it all, change is inevitable, a part of the glorious universe in which we have the privilege of living. The cycles of growth and decay, birth and death are all around us. Every element of our world experiences constant and unrelenting change. We turn to the Eternal, who is unchanging, as we seek stability in the midst of this chaos.

The coming Days of Awe, our Jewish High Holy Days, are ultimately about change. As we observe the cycle of change in our lives and our world, signified by the arrival of another new year, we seek to turn inwards and make change in the very essence of our selves.

The Hebrew concept of repentance, Teshuvah, requires change. Literally, Teshuvah means turning. We must turn away from that which we dislike in our own character, we must turn towards God. In order to make change in our lives and our destiny, we must change our very selves. We must be willing to grow, to evolve, to become.

As these High Holy Days approach, may each of us recognize and fulfill our potential. May we change for the good. And may our year be one of blessing.

Amy, Abigail, Ethan and Michelle join me in wishing each of you a year of fulfillment and Shalom.

James M. Bennett, Rabbi