There are many blessings for Jews during the last week of the secular year. Here are just a few:
- The holiday cheer of our Christian friends and neighbors and, for some of us, family;
- Days off from work and/or school to relax, play, travel, etc.;
- NO “last-minute-shopping” in the crowded stores;
- Lovely (even if overplayed) music – much of it written by Jews ;
- Uncrowded movie theaters and Chinese restaurants on December 25th; and,
- Another opportunity for t’shuvah!
What? T’shuvah? … Yes! Just like an oil change for our vehicles or a trip to the dental hygienist, a “t’shuvah check up” is a healthy practice and one we may have missed without the assistance of the world’s focus on a new year. In the time before and during the Days of Awe (Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur), we set our intentions on turning (t’shuvah) to re-aim at our best selves. Then, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, we may lose sight of this important self-reflective work. The secular new year gives us a perfect opportunity to realign and revisit the work we did during the Jewish new year.
Consider making t’shuvah check ups a part of your practice … perhaps a regular time for checking in, like Rosh Chodesh (new month on the Jewish calendar) would
be meaningful. The Jewish calendar provides a natural rhythm for appreciating cycles of work and rest, seasons, the Earth and its abundance (or scarcity), and our partnership with the Divine Source. Interacting with the sacred is the nourishing gift of Judaism and all religions. “Religion” by its very definition is designed to reconnect us (with ourselves, others, the Earth, and the Sacred Creator):
lig
is Latin for connection and
re
is the prefix for repeating an act. The value of t’shuvah is both highly practical and deeply spiritual. How can you make it yours at the New Year?
Happy New Year 2014 and a continued Shanah Tovah 5774!
