2024. 5785.
This year, October 7 falls between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur on the Jewish calendar. Known as the “Days of Awe”, this period is meant to be a time of deep reflection.
This concept, of taking stock, invokes the phrase “cheshbon nefesh” in Jewish tradition. Translated literally, cheshbon nefesh means taking account. In this context, it infers a taking account of one’s soul. The disjunctiveness seems harsh. Accounting and matters of conscience. It grates.
Cheshbon can have many meanings in Hebrew. Accountants are called “ro’eh cheshbon.” Again, very literally, it translates as seeing the bill, or the numbers.
Cheshbon is a ledger. And in these Days of Awe, Jewish people are meant to take stock. Of assets and liabilities. What has been given and what is owed. And what remains.
But this is not to be done on an excel spread sheet. It is an internal, metaphorical reflection. And whether one is a believer or atheist or anything in between, we could all benefit from some intense inner contemplation; about our values, our personal lives, our families, friends, and all the concentric rings that may apply. If we feel that we have wronged anyone in any way, in the Jewish tradition, we are encouraged to approach them directly and request forgiveness. There is the quiet, private reflection. And there is the equally important active element, requiring engagement with others. That is the essence of Judaism. Balance.
Whether Jewish or not, this is a time for all to consider the import of the moment and if and how we intend to participate. This is a Very Big Moment, historically. Do we choose to be passive bystanders and accept whatever outcome arises? Or is this the time to connect and engage, publicly, to support and work with those who share our values?
Western civilization is being challenged in a manner and to a degree unseen since WWII. It is time, in my opinion, to stand up and speak out.
I recall vividly the optimism I felt during this time last year. And how it all dissipated in a moment on October 7.
And here we are, on the cusp of one year since.
I wish you all a happy, peaceful and healthy year ahead. The way forward is unclear and for so many it is marred by deep personal loss. Shana Tova - happy new year - just doesn’t have the ring, for me, that it has in years past.
And I am, compared to so many, very fortunate.
I will return to my home in southern Israel later this week and I will mark October 7 with Israelis who will mourn forever. The survivors of Kibbutz Kfar Aza are now living in temporary housing on Kibbutz Ruchama, where I relocated a few months ago. Somehow, we will find a way to move through that dark, upcoming day and into an uncertain future.
I wish I could be more upbeat and write about honey cake and miracles but this isn’t the time.
Keeping it real at State of Tel Aviv.
However you pass the coming period, may it be meaningful.
Thanks for being here, as always. Let’s hope that 5785 is just a little bit “better”.
Amen.
