The Eve

Tonight marks the eve of Yom Kippur, if you are a Jew (or non) I'm sure you are aware that the next 25 hours will be as holy as it gets. No eating, no leather shoes, no showering, no personal relations, no personal grooming and lots, lots, lots, of praying for forgiveness. I guess it takes a whole year for us to recognize that maybe we do make mistakes. That maybe our selfish deeds hurt others and that yes we are judged for it all. Growing up in an observant Jewish household, Yom Kippur was never taken lightly. We always went to synagogue on time, prayed, and pounded our hearts to atone our actions and amend for the future. Year after year the same questions arise; how do we know if we are forgiven? How do we know if the year's judgement is truly complete? And why do I always feel exactly the same once this momentous day is over? I offer this one idea I have recently contemplated. Maybe it is not Gd who is judging us and clearing our souls of all evil thoughts and actions. Rather the possibility that we use this day as a time for our community to come together, acknowledge our imperfect doings and begin a new year together.

I will say though that as I contemplate my judgement, my fellow educators have the day off for themselves. Jealousy. To be a jew or not to be? Not an easy question to answer, but I guess for now I will go with what I know best. In just a few hours I'll put on my canvas shoes, walk to synagogue, and pray for this day to pass so that I can continue doing what I do. Teaching, eating, and practicing yoga!

For all of you who know how hard abstinence is: G'mar Tov :)