Day 154: A Time to Reflect

Spent the day at Temple today in observance of Yom Kippur. The holiest of the Jewish Holidays. A day to repent, to atone your sins, a time to commit to being a better person. Beautiful music, inspiring sermon, surrounded by family and friends. A day of reflection. A day to ponder where your life is at and where you are headed. Lots of decisions to be made. Perhaps some big changes.

Then had a scrumptious break-fast at our lovely friend's home. Lori & Steve Soll have been dear family friends for more years than I can remember. We shared their wedding together, the birth of their two sons together, and have spent countless family holidays in one another's company. Isn't that what it's about? Being in the company of those you love.

As you set your gaols for the coming year, remember to share your time wisely and spend it with those you cherish and love.

May you all be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Day 153: Being A Better Person

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