Published: September 27, 2008 01:21 am            

Meridian's Jewish Community welcomes the High Holy Days

Unlike the secular new year and it's party-like celebrations on January 1, the Jewish New Year, falling this year on Monday evening, September 29 and the following morning, takes an entirely different tone. No champagne and noise makers and revelry, rather a mood of most serious introspection and self-evaluation. The question is asked of each of us; how have I lived my life both in past years as well as over the longer span? Have my words and actions brought healing and comfort and joy to others, or have they failed to do so? Most importantly, whether good or bad, how can I improve my life in the year to come? None of us is perfect, and the opportunities for correction and growth remain always available.

The Jewish New Year, following the Hebrew lunar calendar, almost always falls in the month of September, which places Rosh Hashanah (New Year) on the first day of the month of Tishri. Then 10 days later Jews gather again for the most solemn worship expression of the year, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which will take place on Wednesday evening, October 8 and Thursday, October 9. While Rosh Hashanah morning worship concludes at approximately noon, Yom Kippur worship continues throughout the entire day, with the tradition of fasting kept by many in the congregation. The rabbi's robe and yarmulke are white during the entire period, symbolic of the spiritual purity we strive for. But, on Yom Kippur much of the liturgy is changed, with special emphasis placed on the ultimate meaning of repentance. Judaism teaches that the gates of repentance are always open even until the last day of a person's life. That feeling is communicated through language as well as music.

The 10 days connecting Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the Ten Days of Repentance. Classically stated, a person's life for the year to come is "inscribed in the book of life" by God on Rosh Hashanah, and it is "sealed" on Yom Kippur. Of course, there are various intetpretations as to the meaning of those words, but the common thread that connects all expressions is one of self-examination and a willingness to change for the better.

Marty Davidson, President of Beth Israel, joins with myself in welcoming all interest. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur evening worship begins at 7:45 p.m. at Congregation Beth Israel, while the following day worship for both begins at 10 a.m. For further information please call (601) 482-0010. All are welcome.

The traditional Jewish greeting of the High Holy Days is the Hebrew, "L'shana tova tikatevu". May you be inscribed for a good year. That is our prayer for our families, our community and our world.

        

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