It is hard to believe we've already arrived at the end of September and the High Holidays. And yet, here we are.
That's the thing with the Holidays: they arrive whether or not we're ready, prepared, or paying attention. They sneak up, halakhically unannounced, but in every synagogue newsletter. They silently shout at us, until we lift our eyes up and, BAM, there they are.
This season is tough, even in an easy year. And this has not been an easy year. I hope that you find something meaningful, either linked below or in your community this year. There's no better time than right now to sit shoulder-to-shoulder and lift up our voices together.
I wanted to share some projects and pieces I wrote that might feel relevant and share them with you.
Not a Mahzor
I have the honor of being part of the Exploring Judaism team. This year, we produced a High Holiday reader entitled Not a Mahzor (it's a silly name but a great collection). I wrote a few pieces, one of which I'll link below, and served as one of its editors.
If you're looking for something to read during services, which can be useful during these long holiday mornings, I cannot recommend this collection enough. It is free to download/read, and a physical copy is available for purchase.
Check it out here.
Holding Both Joy and Sorrow
In this piece, I explore the complex emotional overlaps that the holidays are bringing this year. It might feel like we're not allowed to feel joy with a war going on in Gaza, and now Lebanon, but I think that the holidays have space for all of the emotions we're holding.
"Whether you are feeling close or far away this year, there is room for you at the table, in the room, and in the pew. Whatever you carry this year, there is space to hold it as we pray, eat, and observe the holidays together. Our hearts are big enough to hold all the emotions we feel."
Read the full piece here.
Why are the Sacrifices in the Past Tense?
I wrote this earlier in the summer, but I am excited to share it here. I always wondered why Conservative/Masorti siddurim had the sacrifices in the past tense. In my research, I discovered that this decision is nearly 100 years old. If this is a question you've ever asked, you might find it interesting.
Read it here.
With that, I wish you a sweet, holy, meaningful, and reflective High Holidays. May you find them inspiring. May you find them hopeful.
