A Rosh Hashana Prayer

Rosh Hashana Greetings From Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

September 4-6, 2013 / 1 Tishrei 5774

“A Rosh Hashana Prayer”

Dear Friends,

This Wednesday evening, when we gather for our Rosh Hashana worship, we will begin a New Year of possibility and hope.  Part of the process of renewal is looking back and assessing our past deeds, both good and bad.  We look back in order to learn about ourselves and to find those places where improvement is needed.  We seek those incidents where healing, apologies, and atonement are necessary.  Then we start anew, as our best selves, pursuing life to the fullest and bringing repair to the world.  As we begin this process of soul-searching and reflection, I offer this prayer to you.  May it open the gates of mercy, wisdom, understanding, compassion, justice, and peace.

“O God, create for me a pure heart, and renew within me a just spirit.”

Psalms 51:12

With the New Year, we have a chance for newness within our hearts, a newness that can change the course of our lives.  But change is often frightening, and sometimes we are not sure that we are indeed ready for it.  “What will this new heart be like?” we wonder.  “How will this purified heart change the persons we are?”  “Will the very structure of our lives change as our spirits are renewed?” So much uncertainly comes with change.  As we stand at the threshold of a New Year, we pray for the valor to face uncertainly, the courage to truly change what needs to be changed, and the faith to welcome the new spirit that is within us.

- Rabbi Leila Gal Berner

L’Shanah Tova Tikateivu v'Techateimu - May you be written and sealed in the Book of Life for a good year!

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow