MONDAY MUSINGS: TESHUVAH

COVID 19 has altered our religious communities in so many ways and prevented services for many from being held inside our sanctuaries. Congregations have sought alternatives in an effort to try to provide community. 

Our community's spiritual leader has been zooming our Sabbath services in which our family can participate from the End of the Rainbow Valley. Of course, we'd all rather be together but this will have to do for right now. 

This weekend Jews the world over began the 10 days of Teshuva, (teh-shoo-vah) repentance, a time for self reflection re: one's actions during the past year. At the end of the 10 day period G-d and one's fellow man will be asked for forgiveness to wipe their slates clean and start anew in the lunar calendar year of 5781.

Our local congregation decided to hold our services this past week- end in a large open tent for those willing to socially distance and wear masks.  

Definitely not a gospel church revival but a roof over one's head to protect one from the elements.  Many opted to not try the tent option. A live video was streamed on FB for those of us who could not join in person. Unfortunately, the internet reception was less than stellar due to a lot of interference with transmission glitches and frozen screens...

What we could do was shul hop. My hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas handled it in a couple of different ways. The Reform Temple prerecorded its services and participants's readings.  It actually was really lovely to see photo montages of congregants and listen to various readers/musical renditions from either inside the Temple/comfort of their own homes. The conservative synagogue there had limited reserved socially distanced sanctuary seating and live streamed their service...  

One of the weekend sermons especially resonated with me from the youngest spiritual leader and included the following questions we need to ask during these days of repentance. 

The first question is a question for oneself:

"What is standing in my way from being the best version of myself?"

The second question actually is for someone else: a friend, partner,                                                                        family member/ stranger

 "What do you need from me? "

And the third question is for G-d: 

One is to make up a question to ask G-d...

If only all of us would take the time to truly be introspective, do an action that would better someone else's life and be spiritual perhaps the world will be a better place to live in 5781... 

I'm willing to try, how about you?

I ask your forgiveness if I have injured you with words or actions this past year...