Rosh Hashanah 5767
Are You Ready?

For many Jews, the High Holy Days are the start of another New Year in which their Jewish observance will resemble all previous years. They will likely come to services on the High Holy Days (assuming services do not conflict with the Panther’s schedule), they will celebrate Hanukah, celebrate Passover Seders, come to the occasional Bar/Bat Mitzvah, maybe come to a Shabbat service here and there, just as they did the year before.

In essence, there is nothing wrong with such a schedule. It hits all the main components of observance and allows Jews to let the calendar guide their Jewish lives. The problem, however, arises when we become Jews on autopilot. We do the same things every year with no innovation, no thought as to how we can grow spiritually and expand the role our heritage plays in our lives. If we arrive for Rosh Hashanah services in a couple of weeks simply because that is “what we do” on that day every year, then we should not be surprised when our experience lacks a certain spiritual quality that should reverberate through our souls on the High Holy Days.

In actuality, we are supposed to spend a month (the Hebrew month of Elul) preparing our minds and souls for the High Holy Days. We should begin reflecting on our sins, on the actions we have taken that have caused others harm, and search out ways to improve ourselves and make amends with those we have injured. I am willing to go out on a limb and argue that those individuals who truly understand this concept of spiritual preparation will derive greater meaning from their High Holy Day worship experience.

This year I urge you to grow spiritually. There are many ways you can do this. This Passover, do not just have a Passover Seder because that is “what we do.” Learn more about the history and purpose of the Seder. Do not just consider Shabbat part of the weekend. Think of it as a day of reflection and meditation, and focus what is truly important in life. Find ways to give your Judaism meaning by committing to grow as a Jew. Learn more – do more – and refuse to do anything just because that is “what we usually do.” Do it because it gives you fulfillment and provides you access to holiness.

This Rosh Hashanah let us endeavor to put meaning into our Judaism. I wish everyone a happy and sweet New Year filled with purpose, spirituality and blessings.

L’Shalom,
Jeremy Barras