Tonight at sundown begins the Jewish Holiday Yom Kippur. A time to reflect, forgive, atone and to ask the boss upstairs for another chance. It is also a 24 hour period where many faithful fast. It is a somber day intended for us followers to not focus on ourselves, our bodies, or our appearance, but to really give pause to the greater world and to make a deep conscious decision to be a better person the following year. That's a pretty big "ask". While we all can say we are going to be nicer to our co-workers, our friends, our family members (even the one's that drive us crazy), and that we are going to be more patient, more forgiving and kind to everyone we encounter, the truth is that it's not an easy task... it's something you have to really want and really make an effort to strive to accomplish.
So tomorrow when I'm observing the day at services, I will be praying for the strength to be a better person. And I hope all of you will join me so we can work toward a kinder and more tolerant community and world.
Shana Tovah
