It's Heeeerrree - the Jewish new year, I mean. Always harrowing, always illuminating, always memorable whether or not I am officially celebrating them, the HHD are part of my DNA. Even when I was most deeply into the witchy world, a time when I didn't bother to check the calendar, I always knew, deep in my bones, when the HHD had started. I could feel Yom Kippur, even if I spent the day goofing around.
Or maybe I can always feel them because I'm psychic and it has nothing to do with DNA. Who knows? Nevertheless they are here.
I will not be observing the holidays with a community this year, a situation that's often the case. I don't fit into any Jewish community I've come across here in DC or elsewhere. That's alright, I have my own way of getting through this time of soul searching, making amends, and coming face-to-face with God. Though the way I observe the holidays is definitely ideosyncratic, as far as I can tell, God doesn't really care one way or the other. Our rituals and services are human constructs meant to help us, after all. At least that's what I believe.
I've got work to do, settling my accounts for the past year. Imagine me rolling up my sleeves, taking a deep breath, and plunging in.
L'Shanah Tovah, y'all!
16 comments:
Well, Happy Days to those who do celebrate!
Telephone me the minute you get off the bus -- or even before the bus has stopped.....
Actually, I really like the concept of these days. I agree, god doesn't care. But how wonderful to have ten days set aside to reflect on the past year and paying your debts of all kinds, making your apologies and trying to mend the things you have broken so you can start the new year with a clean slate and a light heart. This is one I observe but not through a community or through religious services, just personally.
"Our rituals and services are human constructs meant to help us, after all."
I agree, as well. Which is why I often find it difficult to find a place in the religious world in which I fit. And I'm alright with that as I have found my own way, my own mix which fits for now.
Your pictures are beautiful, as always.
Traditions get into our DNA. I still know all the Saints' Days, and the prayers and celebrations associated with them. I say 'still' because it has been decades since I've gone to any church.
L'Shanah Tovah, Patty!
and to you
my dearest sister
and to you
Beautiful post, Reya. Best wishes on this special day, dear friend.
(I really like what Ellen had to say, too.)
"Our rituals and services are human constructs meant to help us..."
Absolutely true. You can celebrate anything any way you want. The important thing is just to be mindful of the occasion and its purpose.
Growing up in a sort of isolated environment, I have to rely on others to inform me of certain holidays and customs. I wonder how one gets along without knowing all these "rules"? I enjoy hearing about them..
It's early, but it feels like this year's HHD are going to be different than years past. I need to say a few "I'm sorry's" - but not very many.
One year I spent the time working on forgiveness for all the grudges I was holding at the time. One year I spent most of the HHD practicing gratitude.
This year I will be engaging in more reunions, with people and also with the Big Apple - briefly.
I'm curious and open, without agendas, for this year. Very cool.
I like the sound of this tradition - a spiritual (Spring) Autumn cleaning, as it were.
L'Shanah Tovah, Reya.
I'm not Jewish but I resonate with what the HHD represent. Leah, of the Weather in the Streets blog, wrote a post a week or two ago about what she and her family were going to do. They decided that for 6 months they won't buy anything that is not absolutely essential. It was an inspiring post. I asked her if it would offend her if I joined them in celebrating HHD in my own way. She welcomed me with open heart. I will be observing with my on-line community.
I'm not Jewish, but I think this a wonderful way to set things right. To rid yourself of negative energy and old wounds, etc. We should all celebrate in this way. Have a great day.
Happy HHD.
what beautiful light in these photos
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