L'shana Tovah!

Tonight begins the Fall festivals as we gather together for Yom Teruah, also known as Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of our year.  We are commanded to sound the shofar and observe a Sabbath rest.

"Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall not do any laborious work, but you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD '"  ~Leviticus 23:24-25

"...Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon,
and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival;
His is a decree for Israel,
an ordinance of the G-d of Jacob.
When G-d went out against Egypt,
he established it as a statute for Joseph..."  ~from Psalm 81

Traditionally, we've taken time as a community to thank HaShem for His many blessings of the past year.  This year was no different except for the fact that I'm now part of a wonderful new community after a horrendous and painful year of separation from my former congregation...

It seems like such a long time since I was actually excited about the Fall festivals - so much angst, heartache, and frustration in past years has overshadowed these joyous times.  This year, for me, is truly a new beginning.  I'm looking forward to this time with more hope and joy than I have for quite some time - old and new friends,  acceptance and compassion.  Healing it is... I am truly thankful.

Tradition has it that we read Psalm 27 in the days prior to Yom Teruah, so join me, if you will, in a time of meditation...

The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?


When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.


One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.


Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.


Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
Teach me your way, LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.


I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.