On the eve of
the most somber day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, I think about what I
have to atone for.
And then I
realize I am always atoning for something. That’s an existential fact, at least
for me. It’s a given that I could have, and should have, and didn’t do better.
I will forgive
all the kind-hearted people who greet Jews tomorrow with a well meaning “Happy
Yom Kippur.” I’ve been guilty of worse when it comes to unfamiliar cultures. I have a
lot to learn about a lot of things.
{And what’s with the meal table? ^ It’s a day of fasting!}
So, no, this is
not a happy holiday sort of day. Guilt is not a happy place. We're much happier
when the day is done. But guilt has an important and legitimate function, as we
who are Jewish know.
To anyone I may
have offended, I'm sorry.
May you be
signed and sealed in the book of life.
7 comments:
I hope your day of atonement will be a blessed time for you and all your loved ones, dear Mirka.
I definitely never knew this. Thanks for clearing this up, Mirka. I hope I've never mistakenly wished anyone a happy Yom Kippur.
May your day of at one ment be reflective for you however it serves you best, my friend. Dn
I was thinking about this Mirka and until John Henry Newman pointed it out, I didn't know how brilliant it was ... at-one-ment (it's being reconciled). Be blessed.
Blessings to you today, Mirka.
Very neat. And it looks like a special supermoon on Feast of the Tabernacles this Sunday. Kinda cool.
I didn't know this about Yom Kippur either. Hope I haven't wished anyone Happy Atonement. (Coincidentally, I caught the film Atonement on TV this morning ...)
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