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.
I hope your day of atonement will be a blessed time for you and all your loved ones, dear Mirka.
ReplyDeleteI definitely never knew this. Thanks for clearing this up, Mirka. I hope I've never mistakenly wished anyone a happy Yom Kippur.
ReplyDeleteMay your day of at one ment be reflective for you however it serves you best, my friend. Dn
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you today, Mirka.
ReplyDeleteVery neat. And it looks like a special supermoon on Feast of the Tabernacles this Sunday. Kinda cool.
ReplyDeleteI 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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