I graduated from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication. I still remember one of the first lessons I learned there: Communication-real communication-requires a broadcaster or transmitter and a receiver. In other words, someone has to speak and someone has to listen. Today, on the eight Day of Awe, with Yom Kippur just a [...]
The Seventh Day of Awe: Honesty
September 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment
How honest are you with other people and with yourself? It’s easy to figure out the latter and to repent for the sin of being dishonest with others. We can even tell them we are sorry and ask for forgiveness. We can even try to right the wrong. It’s harder to admit how we have [...]
Sixth Day of Awe: Human Potential
September 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment
During the Days of Awe, we must also consider if we are living up to our full human potential. We come to this earth plane not only with a soul’s purpose but with the potential to fulfill it and to live fully and to be our best selves. We as human beings – as spirits [...]
Fifth Day of Awe: Soul's Purpose
September 23, 2009 By 2 Comments
Halfway through the Days of Awe, and we – I – turn contemplate the reason I’m here at all. What is my soul’s purpose? What am I supposed to be doing with my days on the physical plane, and, more importantly, and I fulfilling my soul’s purpose? Some people have a hard time discovering their [...]
Fourth Day of Awe: Turning Towards Your Best Self
September 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The High Holy Days and the Days of Awe revolve around the theme of t’shuva, a Hebrew word that means “turning” or “to turn.” I often think of it as “returning” as well. Today, we think about t’shuvah. Anyone can contemplate this subject. What you are turning towards at this time? From what are you [...]
Second Day of Awe: Sins Against Yourself
September 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Today, we – I – turn inward to examine a different type of sin: sins committed against ourselves. Have we taken care of our bodies? Have we taken time to rest? Have we allowed ourselves time for friends and for connecting with God? Have we allowed ourselves to enjoy life? Or have we spent all [...]
First Day of Awe: Sins Against Other People
September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment
As Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year came to a close on Saturday evening, the Days of Awe began. They lead us right up to the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur, the Day of Repentance. During this time we are told to turn inward and reflect upon our words and deeds over the [...]
A Time of Awe:Rosh Hashanah, a New Moon and Planets in Virgo
September 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment
As Jews all around the world prepare for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, astrologers are watching as the new moon rises and six planets align in Virgo. What does this mean to us? It means that not only are we entering into the most holy 10 days of the Jewish year, a time of introspection, [...]
Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die? And Can We Avert the Decree?
October 8, 2008 By Leave a Comment
We are told that on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, “it is written” and on Yom Kippur, the Day of Repentance, “it is sealed.” What is “it”? Our fate for the next year. With Erev Yom Kippur, the beginning of this awe inspiring day, almost upon us, it is important to think about who [...]
The Good and the Bad on Rosh Hashanah
September 30, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Ah…the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. It’s a lovely sound when well blown. It’s a call to action, a call to prayer, a call to attention, a call to go inward, a call to return – to God, to religious observance, to community, to self. And it’s a mitzvah, a commandment, to hear it blown on the the [...]
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