Relationships Teshuvah does not end with looking inward. It eventually asks us to look across the table, across the room, or across the years at another person. Jewish tradition recognizes that some wrongs cannot be repaired simply through prayer. When we have hurt another person, we must turn toward that person. We may need to acknowledge what happened, apologize without qualification, listen, or try to repair what can still be repaired. Relationships are not only about rep

Teshuvah literally means "to return" — to turn toward what is right, what is good, and who we want to be. It is not simply about regret, but about change. No matter how far we may feel we have strayed, the path back is open. Jewish tradition reminds us that we can always return - to our values, to our better selves, to the commitments and relations hips that give our lives meaning. Teshuvah gives us the opportunity to make a different choice, to repair what we can, and to mo

We are on day 6 of our countdown. Here is the bare beginnings of what to focus on for Gratitude. Many people mention this as an important issue to think about every day. And not only for spiritual reasons, for self improvement and health. As we stand on the threshold of Rosh Hashanah, practicing gratitude can be a powerful part of teshuvah. When we notice what is good, we are more able to let go of what is harmful, to repair what needs fixing, and to move forward with a mor

During the week between Selichot and Rosh Hashanah we will expand on what Cantor Star Wahnon has emphasized earlier in this month of Elul. This is an important time of reflection and preparation for the Days of Awe. Each day leading up to Rosh Hashanah, we will post points of reflection. This will take less time than you'd think, but it should be quite productive. We begin with Hineini. Hineini is a small but powerful word in the Torah. ​ Abraham says it when God calls to hi