We talk of Rosh Hashanah and the Yamim Noraim ('days of awe') being later this year. But in reality the Jewish calendar is prepared for this always and we will be reading Parashat Netzavim this Shabbat in preparation it feels.
13 And it is not beyond the sea, that you should need to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it for us and proclaim it, that we may obey it?’ 14 But the word is very near to you; upper moth and your heart so you may do it. 15 See, I have set before you today life and goodness, as well as death and disaster.…
Rambam suggests this thing, this word is actually the art of tshuvah-reparation and return. For us here at FPS we say return to us, come to our services in person or tune in via Zoom or facebook as usual and be part of the congregation for this beginning of the year.
Last Saturday's Selichot service by candlelight was beautiful and David Dolan, Adaya Peled, Gabi Highman, Dean Staker and Franklyn Gellnick reacquainted us to the tunes of the HHD and with new pieces to encourage us to get there. Who knew Schubert would put me in the mood for Rosh Hashanah!
I'll be adding a pomegranate to my shabbat table this week and the newness of those seeds will be tasted then and again for Rosh Hashnah kiddush. May this last Shabbat of the year be meaningful for you.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Rebecca