Teshuvah: Embracing Change and Repairing the World
On the evening of Friday, September 15, 2023, Jews worldwide will commence the Days of Awe, also known as the High Holidays. These holy days encompass a cycle that begins with Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, continues with Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, the Ten Days of Repentance, and concludes with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. When you factor in the holidays of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah, we are immersed in nearly a month filled with celebrations and moments of reflection.
In contrast to, some cultures that celebrate the new year with parties, loud music, and raucous behavior. Judaism marks the New Year with a profound sense of introspection, self-examination, and prayer. This annual personal and collective soul-searching shapes our future by reflecting on the successes and failures of the past.
It is often said that on Rosh Hashanah, our fate is written, and on Yom Kippur, it is sealed. This reflects the central theme of the Days of Awe, where it is believed that God keeps a "book" in which our names are inscribed, determining our destiny for the coming year – who will live, who will die, who will have a good life, and who will face challenges in the coming year. However, the actions of teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah – repentance, prayer, and good deeds – can influence and reshape God's decree. The book is ultimately sealed on Yom Kippur. This concept is the source of the common greeting during this time, "L'shanah Tovah tikatev v'taihatem." – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.
In my recent discussions on the importance of Teshuvah, I did not delve into its components. As mentioned earlier, teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah can change God's decree, allowing us to choose life and be inscribed in the Book of Life. Let's focus on teshuvah, which means repentance or returning. In Judaism, repentance involves returning our souls to God and striving to become our best selves.
Judaism teaches that the process of repentance should be ongoing throughout the year. The High Holy Days serve as a reminder for those who tend to procrastinate. To grasp the concept of repentance in Jewish tradition, it's crucial to understand that true repentance is only achieved when one faces the same situation in which they caused harm and chooses a different path. To reach this point, one must follow the six steps outlined by the 12th-century Rabbi Rambam. It's important to note that in Judaism, God can only forgive sins committed against God. For sins against another person, one must seek forgiveness from the person they harmed; these steps can aid in the process of repair.
Acknowledgment: Realizing that harm has been done is the first step. Skipping this step and going directly to an apology prevents us from recognizing the need for change.
Renounce: Admitting that the behavior is unequivocally wrong, without justifications or denial, is essential for clarity and change.
Confess: Publicly confessing to acknowledgment and renunciation helps make the process real and holds us accountable to others.
Reparations or Make Amends: To heal both the person who caused harm and the one who was harmed, the one harmed must be compensated. Restitution should be made.
Reconciliation: An ongoing process of accountability between the person who was harmed, the one who caused the harm, and the larger community.
Resolution: This is the turning point where the person who caused harm chooses a different path when faced with the possibility of repeating the same harm.
These steps towards teshuvah, or repentance, are universal and can guide us all toward becoming our best selves. They help us navigate conflicts and disagreements by fostering personal growth and accountability. It's essential to remember that Jewish values emphasize love, support, kindness, compassion, and recognizing the Divine image in all people.
I would also like to add that teshuvah is not just about our individual relationships with God. It is also about our relationships with each other and with the world around us. When we make teshuvah, we are not only repairing our own souls, but we are also helping to repair the world.
In the Torah, we all stood together before God, ready to enter the promised land. Today, we stand before God, prepared to enter a new year. This 'all' includes those we disagree with, those we may demonize, those who are different from us, as well as the generations before us who have enriched our lives and the generations to come who will one day call us ancestors.
Teshuvah is a journey, not a destination. It is a process of continuous growth and improvement. By following the six steps of teshuvah, we can learn from our mistakes and become better people.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let us embrace the transformative power of Teshuvah with hope in our hearts. Believe in the capacity for change within yourself, for you have the strength to write a new chapter in the book of your life. I believe in you, and I invite you to believe in yourself, too.
As we enter into Rosh Hashanah and the Days of Awe, let us focus on the changes we wish to make, the relationships we seek to mend, and the world we strive to repair. With each step of Teshuvah, we draw closer to our best selves, and in doing so, we contribute to a brighter future for all.
May the coming year be filled with growth, blessings, and an abundance of opportunities to make a positive impact. May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year, and may your journey of continuous improvement lead you to a life of fulfillment and purpose.
L'shanah Tovah tikatev v'taihatem – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year. Happy New Year! Believe in yourself, for you are capable of greatness.
New Song Release:
Avinu Malkeinu is a heartfelt plea to God for mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. Its purpose is to guide individuals in seeking forgiveness, strengthening our connection with God, acknowledging our responsibilities, and fostering spiritual growth during the High Holidays.
As the High Holidays approach, Avinu Malkeinu serves as a reminder of our responsibility to mend our ways and seek reconciliation with the Divine and fellow humans. It prompts us to consider how we can better ourselves in the coming year and repair any broken relationships.
Avinu Malkeinu encourages us to introspect, not just on our individual deeds but also on our collective responsibilities. It calls for social justice, compassion, and the betterment of the world around us.
Ultimately, Avinu Malkeinu serves as a spiritual guide, evolving with us throughout the High Holidays, reminding us of our capacity for change, growth, and the pursuit of a more righteous path in the year ahead.
This week I made this home recording. I remember years ago sitting in shul during the High Holidays and hearing a folk version of Avinu Malkeinu on guitar and loving it. Last year I heard Yo-Yo Ma play it at the White House with a crowd of Jewish professionals singing around him; I was moved to tears. As we enter another holiday season, I humbly offer this version to you.
Available on all streaming platforms, and be sure to follow me on Spotify to stay up to date on releases.
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The Playlist for the High Holiday - Created by You
Thank you once again for sharing your wisdom and your music. I always appreciate reminders of the steps involved in repentance - it's an ongoing work for me.
This is so awesome. Thank you!