September, which coincides with the Hebrew month of Elul, marks the beginning of a period of self-reflection and renewal. This time leads us into the High Holy Days—Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. These holy days invite us into a personal encounter with G-d, who evaluates our actions from the previous year with a merciful understanding of human frailty.
On Rosh Hashana, we recognize that many aspects of life are beyond our control. The one thing we can control, however, is our behaviour. If we have wronged someone, it is not up to G-d to forgive us; we must seek reconciliation before standing before Him on these holy days. The month of Elul is dedicated to introspection and repairing our behaviour, preparing us for G-d’s judgment, as reflected in the Unetanneh Tokef prayer:
“Who will live, and who will die? Who will be humbled, and who will be lifted up?”
This period of introspection is a journey we can all embark on. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, acknowledge our choices, and ask for the strength to make better decisions in the coming year. Each year allows us to contemplate our actions and commit ourselves to new paths.
The Story of Jonah
On Yom Kippur, we hear the story of the prophet Jonah. Initially, Jonah tried to avoid his divine mission of preaching repentance to the people of Nineveh by running away. A whale swallowed him but spat him out, and G-d gave him a second chance. Jonah ultimately fulfilled his mission, saving the people of Nineveh and reminding us of the potential for entire communities to turn away from their misdeeds and embrace a path of righteousness.
Like Jonah, we often find that moving forward requires confronting what we’ve been avoiding. In these moments, we can discover hope for a better future—for ourselves and the world around us.
What if, like Jonah, we took a moment to assess our actions, confront our fears, and realign our lives? Mistakes are a part of being human—I’ve certainly made my share—but how we react to them shapes our future. Our choices today impact not only ourselves but also our families and communities for generations. What steps can we take now to create that positive ripple effect?
The Value of Tradition
Jewish traditions teach profound lessons with universal meaning. They are open to anyone interested in studying them, and I am deeply grateful to have been born into this tradition. However, I must admit that it has taken me a lifetime to fully appreciate its value. The journey of reflection, renewal, and growth is ongoing, and these sacred days provide us with the space to pause and begin again.
An Invitation to Reflect
As we move through this season, I invite you to join in the process of reflection. Whether these days hold religious significance for you or not, take this opportunity to evaluate your past year, acknowledge your mistakes, and contemplate the changes you can make as you move forward.
How will you choose to start anew?