Tishrei – endings, beginnings, questions and Teshuvah
Tishrei, the time of the High Holidays is here. Beginning with Rosh Hashanah when we crown G-d as our King and, during the Ten Days of Teshuvah until Yom Kippur and on that Day of At-One-ment, we ask forgiveness for past actions that weren’t in tune with G-d’s wishes for us.
Using our unique human ability to assess, honestly and truthfully, our actions in the past, we can build a new future.
This year has provided ample practice for our “uncertainty muscle”. It’s normal to meet moments of incertitude at this time of year. Moments where there are endings and new beginnings. These occasions can produce a variety of feelings, all stemming from the deep sense that ultimately, much is out of our control. But what is in our hands?
The answer is: Teshuvah (“repentance” – but we shall see why this translation misses the point a little). The root of the word Teshuvah comes from Lashuv, to return. But return to where?
The emphasis on repentance as returning is that what we aspire to already exists; this is no new creation, but rather an exposure of something already existing within us, a revelation. It is a discovery of the good in us; the part we know exists but can’t always bring up to the surface.
It’s true, there is no limit on repentance at any time of year (it is even recommended to do it daily) but we all know how life can be…from one task to the next and sometimes we miss the chance.
What is so special about Teshuvah during the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? At this time, there is a Divine force that supports our ability to make good decisions, to choose to be better than yesterday. Maybe we are not miraculously changed but we are given unusual strength, both for examining our thoughts, words and actions and acting upon our resolutions for the future. We return to G-d as our all powerful, all loving King and Father.
Surrounded by uncertainty and confusion, we can return to Him and ask to be reminded that, when we sit quietly knowing that He is in charge, our questions will be resolved and we will feel peace, certain that we are in His good hands.