Shanah Tovah, 

It was so wonderful seeing everyone over the Rosh HaShanah holiday! In addition to celebrating and participating in all our youth and family services that take place in the tent outside, I also love spending time in our main service. Every year, I sit in one of the back rows by the stage, taking in the sights and sounds of our amazing community, amazed at just how many of us there are.    

In this week’s Torah portion, Haazinu, we read about Moses’ last day of his life, which culminates in a 70-line poem/song of Moses sharing reflections with the Hebrew people. I picture Moses standing in front of all those people and cannot help but think that it may have looked similar to the view from the bimah looking out to the congregation on the High Holy Days. 

These days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur are meant for reflections. It’s the time to think about what we have done over the past year that we wish we could have done differently, but it’s also a time to embrace the great moments. It’s also a time to think about not taking the people in our lives for granted. I challenge everyone this week to reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in forever, be it a friend or family member. Call up the ones close to you just to say hello, and don’t let it be just a one-time thing.  

In just a few weeks, we celebrate Simchat Torah, where we will read the final verses of the Torah and start back again at the beginning. This is a reminder that we can do this within our lives as well. It is never too late to reflect and start over with new beginnings.  

I want to wish everyone a meaningful Yom Kippur and I look forward to seeing everyone throughout the year at Temple Jeremiah.  

-Matt Rissien