Rabbi’s Column
What wakes you up? Most of us probably think of the alarm clock or a child or four-legged friend ready to start the day. As the Book of Life is soon to be opened, its Author asks, beyond physical awakening, what awakens your soul?
The sound of the shofar had many ancient uses – to gather people, to raise an alarm if there were danger, the coronation of a king, the Jubilee with its freeing of slaves and during sacred occasions. And, in fact, the middle name of Rosh HaShanah is “Yom Teruah” – “The Day of the Blast.”
The sound of the shofar is meant to wake us from sleepwalking through life. It is meant to grab our attention like a starter’s pistol at a race or a trumpet at a horse race. With the sound of the shofar and even the anticipation of the sound of the shofar, we are to look inward: am I the person I can be or can I be a better me?
Think of your best self. Are you your best self? How so? How not? This is the time to use the energy of this time of year and the communal focus as your inspiration to reflect, repent and renew yourself. Tekiah! Shevarim! Teruah!
L’shana Tova! May 5787 be a good, sweet, joyful, inspiring, fulfilling year.
Torah Study: Tuesday, September 8 at 7:30 PM
Jews and the News: Tuesday, September 22 at 7:30 PM
Selichot: Saturday, September 5 at 8 PM online only – join with Temple Beth-El of City Island https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3476466955