High Holy Day Message from Rabbi Zecher

A HIGH HOLY DAY MESSAGE by Rabbi Elaine Zecher

The end of the story is filled with holiness. The beginning grips us with trembling and awe. In these times, we are living the story of one of the main liturgical experiences of the High Holy Days. Right in the middle of the central section of our service, we declare:

Let us proclaim the power of this day—a day whose holiness awakens deepest fear and amazement.

The prayer poem known as Unetaneh Tokef challenges and summons us to a stark recognition: we live in an illusion of complete control. These past months have taught us this truth.

In a few weeks, we will arrive to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur ten days later.

On Rosh Hashanah, it is written; and on Yom Kippur this is sealed: How many will pass away from this world, how many will be born into it: who will live and who will die.

A litany follows of possible causes of death: fire, water, war, beast, famine, drought, strangling, stoning. And yet Unetaneh Tokef also ponders how we will live our lives: with rest and with wander, with tranquility and with trouble, with calm and with torment, with humility and with exaltation. How will we face the challenges, tragedies, and triumphs of our existence, especially now?

"These days beckon us into self-reflection and examination

to uncover the realities of our lives. When we feel lost or out of control, it is as if Jewish tradition takes our hand and guides us through this maze of uncertainty."

- Rabbi Elaine Zecher

These days beckon us into self-reflection and examination to uncover the realities of our lives. When we feel lost or out of control, it is as if Jewish tradition takes our hand and guides us through this maze of uncertainty.

This poem, in particular, offers the recognition that we are the authors of our Book of Life and Judaism itself helps to compose the contents. Through rediscovering our best self and our connection to that which is sacred—T'shuvah, to the experience of prayer—T’filah, and to take responsibility of taking care of one another and the world—Tzedakah, we transcend even the darkest moments.

Immediately after the poem, come words of holiness of the Divine reflected back in our own humanity. We recognize our place in the universe and aspire toward lovingkindness.

We cannot predict exactly what the future will bring, but we do know these High Holy Days offer us the resources to approach them with hope and possibility. Whatever fear we possess, let it be uplifted by awe, wonder, and gratitude as we move toward the New Year and whatever follows.

On behalf of my clergy partners, may the new year be one of safety, wellness, and many blessings.