High Holiday reflections from

Our Jewish Community© 2010

1.What do I wish I had done in the year just ended to help to improve our world and what to I hope to do

in the upcoming year?

“Last year I should have spoken less and listened more; inside myself and out in the world. This year I would like to be blessed with wisdom.”

“Last year I should have taken better care of

myself. I’m always so busy looking out for others, that I forget

myself. I realize now that in order to help others, I first need to

help myself. My goal for this year is to do better

with this. One small step at a time.”

“…we tend to overlook that it takes people to

effect change…I plan on donating…my time and

my efforts to make a difference. It may not be

global, but in my little corner of the world, it’s a

start.”

2. Have I acted in ways which I regret?

“When I forget what lessons humility has taught me, when I become angry and impatient with other people…”“For me, one of the most

meaningful parts of the new year is leaving the

regrets behind and finding new opportunities to move forward. It’s very freeing.”

“I have found that direct, personal amends to an individual I have wronged will release me from regret of my actions. Guilt and shame of my past and fear of the future have caused me to miss out on my present.”

3. When am I willing to accept the apologies of others?

“I will always accept a sincere apology. I assume that each person I encounter is doing the best they are able to do with what they know. If I did not give them that benefit of the doubt, I would only hinder my own walk. My definition of forgiveness is: I release the other person for the responsibility of how I feel. My happiness or anger is my own responsibility.”

“I think much of this is context-related. What

does the apology concern? I’m always willing to accept an

apology, but sincerity and willingness to work at changing the behavior

represents a very important aspect.”

4. What challenges my strength to apologize to others when needed?

“Due to my Catholic background of Confession, I have no problems admitting when I am in the wrong… The Days of Atonement are like coming home as far as I’m concerned. What I love is that we go through the self-examination process in the heart of our Jewish community. When I was Catholic, it was a solitary process – much lonelier.”

“I tend to refrain from apology and rather amend the wrong I have done…”

“When I have used words carelessly and

hurt someone through my failure to respect the power of words, I find that most difficult

to cover with an apology. Wounding

with words brings such a feeling of shame that

an apology seems inadequate.”

5. What will allow me to take a risk in the year ahead that I was

unable in the year just ended?

“By realizing the blessings around me and the community

of life, I think I will be able to take a risk next year, that I

could not take the previous year.”

“I know the biggest risk I need to take is to take the very first step out of my ‘comfort zone.’… I do feel a new confidence though, the kind of confidence that says ‘Yes, I am going to give it a try and I may have my doubts but I won’t let them stop me.’”

“The greatest risk I take is opening my heart.”

6. What are the conflicting priorities in my life and how can I navigate

them?

“I can’t say I have a single method that allows me to navigate conflicts, but I

don’t find the sometimes conflicting nature of life

necessarily problematic as much as a way to

recognize the fullness of life, that some might call

God. Sometimes just accepting both sides of an apparent conflict can give me insight into my life…”

“I think the conflicting priorities in my life fall into 3 basic categories:

what I think I should be contributing in the world, what I want for myself that I think will

bring happiness, and what I truly need for my well being. These

priorities are usually in conflict in some way and I haven’t figured

out how to balance things. I think, however, that if I really focus on

what is essential for my well being, the rest might fall into place more

smoothly.”

7. How have I given expression to my values through the actions

I have taken?

“One of my most central values is the belief that we as Jews (and as good humans) must work to extend the boundaries of justice and righteousness. I try to contribute to this effort through participation in civil liberties and civil rights support. Through word, deed, action, and finances, I try to help those who are oppressed by poverty and prejudice. ‘Injustice everywhere is a threat to justice everywhere – M.L. King”

When we respond with random acts of

kindness, thoughtfulness, and

compassion, I believe we give expression to

our values through action.”

“I best express these values by ‘Walking the Walk, not Talking the Talk.’ It’s my actions that speak loudest.”

8. What do I hope to get from the Jewish community

in the coming year and what do I hope

to give to the Jewish community

in the coming year?

“I hope to be able to participate more in Jewish

activities this year, both locally and globally in

resources like this. I think that is two way, both

gotten and given. I’d also like to give more to Jewish charities this year, since I

was not as able last.”

“The traditions of the holidays are reminders of this sense of assessment and commitment…. This reminds me of the greater importance of giving to my community rather than looking to get.”

“Since my Jewish community is mostly on line, this Temple and my family and friends, I will say guidance on this Spiritual Journey that is my life. As for what I can give, that would be sharing all that I have been given so that I may keep it.”

9. What will help me open my eyes to see things in new and different ways?

“I am finally comfortable in my skin as both a Humanist and a Jew. To paraphrase William James, the slow shifting

of philosophical perspective makes things appear as though they are from a different point of view. Being a

Humanistic Jew is very freeing mentally. This gives me the ability to step outside the box… to color outside the lines

so to speak and to appreciate people and situations from a different perspective.”

“I believe my willingness to keep my mind open, my curiosity, and my want to always keep learning will help me to see things in a different light. Curiosity leads me to learning and the learning itself adds to my experience…”

10. As the year has ended and I look at myself in the mirror,

what am I proud of?

“I am proud that I have finally learned about forgiveness.

I’m proud of my husband for sticking

things out and maintaining his

wonderful attitude. I am proud that I’ve let

alcohol go as a solution and learned to stand on my feet when the going gets

tough.”

“I am proud to be able to keep standing tall even as things keep getting worse. Proud of my sisters and hope this new year will bring happiness to everyone.”

We hope you enjoyed reading the reflections from members of our community.

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