HHD Message from RK 2024

 The first day of Elul this year (last Tuesday), I had a special plan to get my teen and tween sons up for school.  I gently woke them first. Then, when the groggy, I-may-just-turn-over-and-go-back-to-sleep moment came, I took the shofar from the place it has been waiting all year, dusted it off, said a blessing, lifted it to my mouth, and sounded my first tekiah of the season.  It worked!  As it has.  For thousands of years.  Awakening more than just bodies cozy in blankets. Awakening souls.

This season is always a push for rabbis and communities.  It’s disruptive and demanding like a shofar blast.  If you take it seriously, it can come with heartbreak, remorse, hard conversations and painful admissions.  In a year like this one, with so much loss, fear, anger and division, it may be intimidating to imagine gathering with Jewish community to face our mistakes. It may be tempting to roll over and go back to sleep.

But there is a reason we conclude the process with a holiday (Sukkot) known as “season of our joy.”  The path is challenging but cleansing, and the promise of forgiveness, transformation, and healing makes this time every year one of profound hopefulness. 

I am really looking forward to my third High Holy Day season with B’nai Havurah.  It will indeed be a season of joy (all the way through - not just at the end!).  And it will be a season of serious reflection in a troubled time, which could come with some tears and heartache and homework.  It will be a season of music, learning, rituals both ancient and freshly Reconstructed. And of course it will be a season of connection to our own souls and to one another.  Not to be missed.  I hope to see you there for as much as you can muster.  More information and registration links below.

Shanah Tovah! May this year be a year of healing, hope and positive transformation!

- Rabbi Katie