Rabbi's September 2024 Message
September 2024
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Dear Friends,
September is here and with it we prepare to begin again. For Jewish people everywhere, a new year on the Jewish calendar is just ahead.
The Hebrew month of Elul starts this week on Tuesday evening, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4. This is the Hebrew month during which we are encouraged to study and take time to reflect on our actions over the past year, seeking forgiveness from those we have wronged or with whom we have “missed the mark.”
This month, I am offering a 3-week Elul Class on Personal Reflection, Repentance and Transformation on Wednesdays, September 11, 18, and 25 at 11am. During this time together we will focus on spiritually preparing ourselves for the High Holy Day season. I hope you will join me.
I find this time of year to be one of heightened feelings and awareness.
My awareness of the nature of change helps me to hold tight to my treasured memories of years gone by, along with staying open to the wonder and possibilities of what the year ahead will bring.
My feelings often run deep, there are melodies that bring me back to times with my parents and siblings, to raising my own family, to laughter, to hugs and to smiles. At the same time, the weeks surrounding the High Holy Days require me to recall sad times and loss.
Especially during this season of the year, I wonder what are the things that bring you heightened feelings and awareness?
I’d love to hear about your memories of the Holy Days. Do familiar melodies touch something deep inside? Are there special foods or smells that you connect with this time of year? What brings back powerful memories to you and how do those moments make you feel?
As we get to know one another more and more, I look forward to greater opportunities to really talk. To learn what you are most passionate about, what treasured memories you hold, and what your aspirations are for the new year. At the same time, let’s acknowledge the difficult moments that impact how we each enter this time of the year. And how we can best inspire, and hold one another up.
L’hitraot,
Rabbi Karen Tashman
Reminders:
Temple Beth Shalom opens its doors to all who want to attend and does not require tickets. If you (or someone you know) want to join in for any or all of the High Holy Day services, we welcome you with open arms and open hearts. The service schedule can be found here: https://www.tbspalmcoast.org/highholidays
Additionally, please be sure to check our website and social media sites for information on our upcoming educational opportunities, holidays and programs. https://www.tbspalmcoast.org/
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