How might we use this year’s High Holy Day theme “All of my soul/breath will praise God” in the way we talk and connect with each other?

On my bulletin board at Temple Jeremiah was a modern translation of Nishmat Kol Chai, a benediction that I would read as I began my workday talking and connecting with our congregants.

May we awaken each morning feeling blessed

for our eyes can see, our ears can hear, our legs can walk

and our words can express ourselves.

May we awaken each morning feeling blessed

concerned about the world, ready to examine new thoughts,

willing to learn from our past, free to make decisions for the future.

May we awaken each morning feeling blessed

for we have people to love, mitzvot to do,

opportunities to help and feelings to share.

Help us God to realize our blessings

for if we take them for granted,

we will appreciate them only when they are gone.

How to get out of ourselves so that we can hear another person’s concerns, expression of pain, joy, and celebration, and requests for guidance without being judgmental. That is so often how I interpreted the privilege of talking and connecting with each of you. It allowed me to hear and participate in meaningful conversations. It allowed me to connect you with others who could help.

Martin Buber’s I and Thou philosophy describes the magical existence of God when we are truly present for each other. We find meaning in how we relate to each other.

Temple Jeremiah is a community where the ‘Joy of Belonging’ allows all of us to have meaningful relationships. I was privileged to interact with so many of you during my 24 years of work.

The opportunity for each of us to share ourselves, learn together, do mitzvot through our social justice activities, support each other during the tough times and the joyous times, exists for each of us. It is what this community of extended family is all about.

May this New Year, 5785, be a time when we remember to awaken each morning feeling blessed. It is the most meaningful way to praise God as we engage with each other and our world.

Phyllis Burg