Where Has The Time Gone

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Where has the time gone?” I imagine that each of us experiences the shock of the passage of time in different ways. Seasonally, we may be struck by the arrival of the crimson and gold leaves in mid-autumn while still wondering why the air conditioning is still on at home. Wasn’t it yesterday that we were sweltering through a mosquito-infused early evening by the shore?

At Shirat Hayam, I reflect on children who were attending Galeem online during the COVID-19 pandemic, who became Bat/Bar Mitzvah in the years following October 7th, and who are now confirmed. (They are also fully licensed drivers and contemplating their college careers!)

As we approach the end of Yom Kippur, we are reminded that the act of t’shuvah is not limited to a season. Often, the intense lead-up to the High Holy Days keeps the work of turning, forgiveness, making better life choices, and developing better character traits very present.

Consider this my check-in. Do you feel that you are doing the deep work of self-improvement? Have you forgiven those who may have been on your “t’shuvah list” for Yom Kippur 5787…but have somehow moved to next year?

The majesty of the High Holy Days has begun to give way to the anticipation of sufganiyot and chanukiyot. This is as it should be. My hope is that we fill these days with intention, purpose, and compassion, remembering to check in with ourselves and those we love before the shofar begins to sound again.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Cantor Jacqueline Menaker