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Fair High Holy Days: A time of contrasts
The High Holy Days, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, are a period of contrasts. We celebrate the anniversary of the beginning of world, enjoy festive meals with family and friends and wish one another a good and sweet year. But, we are also called to judgment.
The Unitaneh Tokef prayer speaks of “all creatures” parading before G-d, who visits “the souls of all living, decreeing the length of their days, inscribing their judgment.” It goes on to list the terrible fates that could befall someone, but says, “repentance, prayer and righteousness avert the severe decree.”
Thus, our fates are not pre-ordained. We have the ability to influence our destinies. We can take stock of ourselves and see what we have done well and where we need to improve. Perhaps we need to devise new strategies to achieve our career goals; pay more attention to spouses and children to strengthen our relationships; change lifestyle habits to improve our health; take golf lessons and go to the driving range to lower our score and enjoy the game more.
Are we living by Hillel’s Golden Rule: “That which is hateful, do not do unto your fellow?” Do we refrain from speaking or listening to lashon hara — evil speech, such as gossiping or rumormongering? Do we quarrel with one another?
On Yom Kippur, we read a passage from Isaiah in which the prophet tells those who “fast in strife and contention” that their “fasting is not such as to make your voice heard on high.” (58:4)
He goes on to tell them, “This is the fast I desire: To unlock the fetters of wickedness, and untie the cords of the yoke. To let the oppressed go free; to break off every yoke. It is to share your bread with the hungry, and to take the wretched poor into your home; when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to ignore your own kin.” (58:6-7)
Many aspects of life are beyond our control, like the weather, the Long Island Rail Road and the stock market. Our responses to, and preparation for, them are not, however. Through our words and deeds, we have tremendous influence on our lives and the lives of others. Use them wisely not only now, but throughout the year.
L’Shana Tovah Tikatevu. May you be inscribed for a good year.
Rabbi Diamond is the rabbi at Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David — at 100 Hempstead Ave. in Rockville Centre.
