Waking up

Imagine yourself, not long from now, in the synagogue listening to the blasts of the shofar. Hear the plaintive and primal sound reverberate throughout the sanctuary. 

The sounding of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah serves as a wakeup call for the Jewish people, a chance to start over with a clean slate. 

Maimonides describes the wakeup call in the “Mishneh Torah,” a code of Jewish religious law: “Arise you who are fast asleep, and awaken you who slumber. Search your deeds, repent, and be mindful of your Creator…” 

Now, take a little time—either by yourself or with others—to look back on the year behind you: 

Were you present? Did you put your phone down at meals?  

When you asked someone a question, did you really listen to their answer, not just wait for your turn to talk?  

Did you fixate less on the things that you can’t control? 

Were you brave enough to take some risks—even if you were scared? 

Did you cultivate deeper connections? 

Did you value the sacrifices of our ancestors who made this world a better place for all of us? 

Did you honor your parents, grandparents, and other people who came before you and helped form you into who you are today? 

Did you keep peace in the home—shalom bayit—and just let the small stuff go when it wasn’t worth the fight? 

Did you teach your children to be kind to people, to animals, and to the earth? 

Did you smile at babies in sunglasses? Did you let a baby’s tiny hand grasp your finger? 

Did you not let compassion fatigue keep you from being sensitive to others in pain? 

Did you visit the sick? 

Were you thankful—truly thankful—for blessings? For the people you love, the air you breathe, 

and the ability to get out of bed in the morning? 

Did you say the Mourner’s Kaddish alongside someone who lost a loved one? 

Did you laugh easily?  

Did you connect with friends? Did you reach out to a friend going through a challenge to let them know you’re thinking about them? Did you make a new friend? 

Were you open to listening to people whose world views are different from yours? 

Did you stand up for others and for the things that matter to you? 

Did you leave big tips? 

Did you mentor someone? 

Did you invite someone new over for a Shabbat meal? 

Did you think about how your food got from the farm to your plate? 

Were you honest? Did you trust? Did you show up with authenticity? 

Did you say sorry, and mean it, when you were in the wrong? 

Did you assume best intentions in others? 

Did you look up at the sky to notice a setting sun or a full moon? 

Did you wander slowly through the rain?  

Did you fill the year with meaning?  

Did you dance? 

Okay, now, look ahead to the new year: 

How do you plan to act differently next year? 

How will you fill your life and the lives of those around you with spirituality, with meaning, and with love? 

Who will you surround yourself with? Will you take up something new? 

What will you leave in 5786… and what will you carry with you into 5787? 

As Jews, we’re lucky to use this season to take stock of the old and look ahead to the new with 

intention. It’s the time to hear the alarm call of the shofar, wake up from our “slumber,” and look forward with clarity and hope. 

Wishing you a 5787 filled with joy, health, fulfillment, sweetness, and peace. 

L’shana tova umetuka!