L’Shanah Tova!

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The High Holidays are upon us once again as we arrive at the end of 5780, and let me tell you, it’s been a tough year.

A lot of folks want to tag everything with #apocalypse2020, but it’s really #judgement5780. On Rosh Hashanah, the whole world is judged and HaShem sits in as Avinu Malkeinu in the heavenly courts to issue decrees for the coming year.

  • COVID-19
  • BLM
  • Protests & Rioting
  • Rings of Fire (I live in Portland, OR)

All of these occurred during 5780. And we only have a short period of this year left. We have the chance, on this first day of the seventh month, to receive a new ruling.

Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the world. It is the day the world is judged, both Jews and non-Jews alike. That’s why we need to stand together, pray earnestly, and seek favor for the upcoming year. It is our davening that has great influence in determining the judgement as this is our chance to represent ourselves in the court trial.

Now is the time to do teshuvah (repentance) and turn a new leaf. Annual vows, seek forgiveness from HaShem and from others, and move forward with a clean slate.

Now is the time to seek HaShem and cultivate a relationship with Him. He is Avinu Malkeinu. He is our father. He is our king. He is both, to all of us. And especially you. So have that intimate relationship that has proper reverence and discourse.

Now is the time to dip your apple in the honey. Aim for a sweet new year. Let tuce half a raisin celery. Be fierce like a dragon. Be the head, not the other end. Embrace the fun that is the Seder with puns. We spent all morning in court, and now is the time to have a cautious celebration knowing that HaShem loves us.

Now is the time. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Today. Right now. Because there really is no other time in existence. The past is memory, and the future is mere thought. This current moment is all you have, so make the most of it.