Now we can ask a different question: What do I love? What do I want to draw close to? Sometimes returning is not about correcting something that went wrong. Sometimes it is simply coming home to what truly matters — the people we love, the community that sustains us, the values that guide us, the traditions that connect us across generations, and, for some, our relationship with God. In the busyness of life, even what is most important can drift to the margins. Elul invites u

Forgiveness does not change what happened. It changes what we carry forward. During these days of reflection, we can ask whether anger, resentment, guilt, or an old injury is still occupying more of our lives than it deserves. Some wounds require time. Some relationships require distance. Yet there may also come a moment when holding tightly to the hurt costs us more than releasing some part of it. We may also need to seek forgiveness. A sincere apology begins not with expla

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

As we approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, please join The Jewish Center of The Moriches for an evening that combines the warmth of Shabbat with the reflective prayers of Selichot. Through meaningful prayer, peaceful reflection, and community connection, we will begin the spiritual journey of the New Year together. Kindly RSVP at jewishcenterofthemoriches@gmail.com

Join us at The Jewish Center of the Moriches for our Friday evening Shabbat service (Kabbalat Shabbat). as we celebrate our August birthdays together. Our spiritual leader, Cantor Star Wahnon, will guide us in meaningful prayer, uplifting song, and peaceful reflection as we welcome Shabbat. Following the service, please stay for a festive dessert Oneg, featuring birthday cake and other delicious treats as we celebrate those with August birthdays. Whether you are a longtime me

Saturday Shabbat Services, August 22 at 10:00 AM ALL ARE WELCOME at The Jewish Center of The Moriches for Saturday morning Shabbat services led by our talented spiritual leader, Cantor Star Wahnon. Come experience meaningful prayer, a sense of community, uplifting song, and peaceful reflection. A bagel Kiddush immediately following services. Kindly RSVP at: jewishcenterofthemoriches@gmail.com