Introspection
on the High Holydays has a different purpose than the self-absorption we see so
often in individuals today. Looking
inward at this time of the year is for the explicit purpose of being able to
examine our deeds, mend our souls, and right the wrongs we have done to
others. It is indeed a part of the process
of our spiritual growth. Its purpose is
not to place our own needs above the needs of others, nor to view oneself as
the center of the universe.
The Shofar’s
call is perfectly designed to help us in the process of introspection. Blown during the month of Elul, on Rosh
HaShanah, and at the end of Yom Kippur, its familiar call awakens us. The one long blast (tekiah) reminds us to
review our deeds of the past year. The
three medium broken blasts (shevarim) remind us of the wailing of those who are
suffering and oppressed. The nine rapid
bursts (teruah) remind us to join the struggle against the wrongs we see in the
world. Whether it is feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless,
comforting the mourner, or providing companionship for the lonely, there is
much that we can do. (adapted from Mahzor Chadash)
Introspection
at this time of year is meaningful, but I believe it would be overwhelming if
it were a task set aside for only once a year.
By taking stock of oneself on a daily basis, it is much easier to attend
to the needs of others and connect with G-d, correcting one’s aim (so to speak)
when one finds him/herself off course. I
truly believe that part of being on course for a Jew is also to tend to the
needs of the Jewish community. That is something that all Jews can do, not just
those who are ordained or who have jobs in professional Jewish spheres. Every Shabbat we ask G-d to bless “all those
who unite to establish synagogues for prayer, and those who enter them to pray,
and those who give funds for heat and light, and wine for Kiddush and Havdalah,
bread to the wayfarer and charity to the poor, and all who devotedly involve
themselves with the needs of this community and the Land of Israel.” It is possible to feel the difference that
such individuals make in the lives of all of us every day of the year, not just
during the High Holydays.
My prayer
for this upcoming year, 5774, is that the call of the Shofar will spur each of
us to look inward so we can then use our outward actions to positively affect
the lives of those with whom we have contact.
May we find the strength to help one another as we each attempt to start
over by turning ourselves around. May
our aim not be about self-absorption, but rather about the ways in which we can
involve ourselves in the needs of our community. I wish everyone a meaningful year!
L’Shanah
Tovah Tikateyvu.
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