23 Elul 5784

Rabbi Emeritus Jonathan Keren-Black

Leo Baeck Centre for Progressive Judaism

Parallel spiritual paths, shared consequences

On Rosh Hashanah we will stand exposed before the Spirit of the Universe.  Perhaps more important, at least to our modern understanding, we are provided this time and chance to be completely honest with ourselves.  The protections we weave and wear, the way we justify our missteps, our laziness and failures, will be stripped away.  Our explanations and excuses will count for nothing.

This month of Elul provides time to reflect and prepare ourselves to make the most of this unique and powerful annual opportunity, that culminates with Yom Kippur, the conclusion to ten days that invite us to step towards meaningful change.

Whatever has been said and done to us (and over this last year it has often been truly terrible, painful and damaging), have our responses been towards helping, healing, reconciliation? Have they led us towards perfecting our world, even when it seems impossible? Or have we succumbed to reflex, to fight hurt with hurt, bigotry with bigotry, hatred with hatred?

This question is personal; but not only personal, though we can only respond at an individual level.  During this period of the year, we acknowledge our shortcomings individually and also collectively, in Avinu Malkeinu, “Khatanu l’faneikha – we have sinned before You”.  We must reflect on the state of our world, and the pursuit of our own gain and happiness notwithstanding the damage being caused.  We must reflect on the state of Israel, the horrors perpetrated on it and whether its responses, understandable as they may be, will move it and the world towards safety and peace. We, Australian readers, must reflect on the rejection of The Voice and the consequences for justice, hope and harmony.  And, finally, for ourselves individually – the only terrain for which each one can take complete responsibility – have I moved towards my goals from last Rosh Hashanah?  Have I been even a little bit kinder, calmer, gentler on myself, on those I love and those with whom I work and interact?

May we be strong enough to acknowledge our shared and our individual failures, so that we may be strong enough to make ourselves – and the world around us – at least incrementally better in 5785.