A Word from Rabbi Schulman - 9/30/16

Once a busy merchant went to the rabbi of Lekhowitz and asked how he might attain humility. While he spoke, the clock struck the hour. The rabbi said, "That is your answer. Nothing should humble us more than the striking of a clock. We know that another hour of our lives has passed, and we should consider, 'What have I done in this hour that has passed? And how have I improved my soul during this hour through the service of God?'"

Few of us are capable of intensely monitoring our lives on an hourly basis. But Rosh Hashanah is like the striking of the clock. It reminds us that another year has passed. The High Holy Days prompt us to ask ourselves: "What have I done with my life in the past year? Have I worthily served God? Where have I done right? And where have I erred?"

The High Holy Days are a time for us to take an account of who we are. They are the measure by which we evaluate our past and our present. It is a humbling experience to ask ourselves tough questions, to conduct an examination of the soul. It is harder still to turn from our errors of the past and to seek forgiveness from those whom we have harmed.

May these High Holy Days be counted for good and blessing for the Jewish people. May we fulfill the words of the psalmist who declared, "So teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

I wish you and your loved ones L'shanah Tovah U’metukah -- a sweet, healthy, and fulfilling New Year.