L'shanah tovah!
The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah has begun. I myself am not Jewish but wanted to learn more about this spiritual holiday that gathers over 15 million together. I found it to be very moving and motivational, so I wanted to share it with you too.
This two-day holiday usually happens when the season changes in autumn. It’s a time for reflecting on our own personal ‘seasons’ and change of the last year.
The sound of the Shofar, a ram’s horn, signals the beginning of the new year! It’s traditionally blown one hundred times on both days in the synagogue using three types of distinct blasts. A long blast, three shorter ones, then nine staccato notes strung together. These powerful vibrations are meant to awaken the soul, beckoning people to reflect on the past year and prepare for the new one. During Rosh Hashanah, many Jewish people refrain from going to work, using that time instead for worship and introspection. This deep reflection of the last year can take some time.
It is said that this time of year, God takes special note of our behaviors writing us into His Book of Life. This makes it the perfect time of year to turn the pages of our own personal Book of Life and ask, what is the next chapter in life going to be about? Are we living life to the fullest? Are we living in sync with our values? How can we shed the layers that block us from the truest manifestation of our being?
Contemplating these questions forces us to take a hard look at our inner selves, our vulnerabilities, spiritual well-being, and our values. Part of that is identifying our mistakes, bad habits and behaviors, then taking stock of those and committing to growth and improvement in the upcoming year. Being able to reflect on the past like this creates opportunity for positive change. Once we’ve taken stock, we next need to take time to acknowledge our faults, seek forgiveness, and let them go.
After reflecting, action needs to be taken to step towards self-improvement. Another ritual, Tashlich, can be done where breadcrumbs are tossed into a natural body of water, giving a visual representation of casting away old habits and mistakes.
The idea of making a conscious effort taken to reflect who I am, how I’ve lived, and how I want to live, is very inspiring to me. Dedicating time where we can immerse ourselves in this state of self-examination and discover ways to be a better version of ourselves is a powerful way to start the New Year.
Wishing you and your loved ones well by saying “L'shanah tovah Tikatevu v'Taihatem,” which translates to “May you be written and inscribed for a good year.”