Dear TEE community,
I love the poet Marge Piercy’s description of the New Year as “a great door.” As the High Holidays approach, I see this as a special kind of opening being made, allowing us to reflect deeply on our lives. We create this space together, focusing on what truly matters through both our words and our stillness.
The Talmudic rabbis remind us not to pray for the impossible. When facing illness, for example, we don’t seek miracles; instead, we ask for the strength, courage, and wisdom to confront our fears and pain. In these difficult times, our High Holiday prayers may not solve the world’s problems, but they can grant us clarity and resilience as we navigate them. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel taught:
Prayer may not bring water to parched fields, nor mend a broken bridge, nor rebuild a ruined city. But prayer can water an arid soul, mend a broken heart, rebuild a weakened will.
In addition to reflection and recommitment, the central task of this season, teshuvah, “return,” involves reconnection. This means reconnecting—not just with our authentic selves, but also with one another. Our holiday observances remind us that we are not alone in our aspirations and values. I hope they will foster new connections as well, allowing longer-term members to welcome those who have joined us over the past year.
I very much look forward to sharing our High Holiday season with you. May this be a year of renewal, wellbeing, and greater sweetness for us and all the world.
L’shanah tovah,
Rabbi Drorah Setel