Erev Rosh Hashana brings with it so many thoughts and emotions. Tonight is the beginning of a new year, full of potential and unknown. For some people this can feel exciting; for others terrifying. As I reflect back on the past year I had no idea, sitting in shul last Rosh Hashana, that I would find myself, one year later, living in Houston, TX! It wasn't even on my radar screen. Looking forward, who knows what the coming year will bring? Hopefully only exciting opportunities, and happy memories.
Now, I'm the type of person who likes to have it all figured out. I like to know where I'm going, how I get there, and how long the journey will take. [And if there are some nice spots to see along the way I usually like to have those planned out in advance as well]. But maybe Rosh Hashana night is about reminding ourselves to trust Hashem that it'll all work out in the end. That even though we don't always know where we're going, it's ok because He does.
This reminds me of a song by Eef Barzelay called "I Love the Unknown." It includes the following lyric: "They ask him, "Hey where is this bus going?" And he said, "Well, I'm really not sure." "Well then how will you know where to get off?" And he said, "The place with the most allure!"
When we recite Malchuyot in shul, when we hear the pure sound of the Shofar, let's remind ourselves that Hashem has a great itinerary planned for us. And that even when we feel lost or stuck in the mud, even when the road detours from the planned route, it's not setting us back, but rather helping us realize that there was something we were supposed to pick up along the way that we haven't picked up yet. A sight that we don't want to miss.
This Rosh Hashana night, I remind myself to trust Hashem, who never steers me wrong. And to embrace the new paths waiting to be discovered. As I eat the simanim (the symbolic foods) I will remember that there are signs posted everywhere in my life directing me and helping me along. And as I bless my children, with my eyes closed, I will try to give them the internal compass called Emunah (faith) they will need to navigate the journey of their lives as well.
Wishing each of us a year of health, happiness, and growth. May we appreciate the blessings of the coming year and not take them for granted. And may we approach any challenges that may come with the faith that they are meant to help us grow stronger.
No comments:
Post a Comment