August 2007

“According to the effort is the reward.”

This teaching from Pirke Avot is traditionally understood to refer to the study of Torah. Our sages assert that a focused, intense consideration of the words of Torah will yield deeper understanding and greater reward than a casual perusal. I believe this is true, and with this in mind look forward to beginning a Torah study group at Chaverim in the fall. We will meet at 10:00 AM on the first Shabbat of the month, beginning October 6.

Even though the saying “according to the effort is the reward” seems originally to refer to Torah study, I find it is also true for much of Jewish life. And it is this saying which comes to mind as we begin the approach to the High Holy Days.

You might ask: how can we be “approaching” the High Holy Days when this is only the beginning of August and Rosh Hashanah is still many weeks away? Think of it this way: There is a moment in a long airplane flight when there is a slight change in the feel of the plane’s motion. It’s only a subtle shift, but for a passenger who is paying attention, it is a clear indication that the plane has begun its descent. Even in a long flight this happens as much as an hour before the scheduled arrival. The approach to the final destination begins long before touchdown.

The High Holy Days have become the most important period of reflection and personal growth of the Jewish year. However, according to the effort is the reward. When we begin our approach now, the Ten Days of Awe hold the possibility for significant personal change and renewal.

The simplest form of preparation is logistical, such as making plans with family and friends, scheduling time off from work, putting a greeting in the Chaverim tribute book, and submitting names for the Tree of Remembrance.

However the preparation that yields the most reward is the inner commitment to think about the major themes of the High Holy Days: repentance, renewal, and return.

Repentance We begin a thorough review of the past year, thinking especially of the people with whom we have had some sort of break in relationship. We consider ways we could reach out to them, ways we could heal a breach, even if it means taking hat in hand and saying we are sorry. This is a good time to acquire a bit of humility.

Renewal During this time of approach we recall the excitement we once felt for a new project, a job, a relationship -- an excitement that has dimmed over the year with the challenges of everyday life. Let us use the period leading to the High Holy Days to consider how we can renew our excitement through a commitment to growth, to honesty, to adventure.

Return Our souls are like a compass. If we hold still and quiet our minds, our souls will show us the right direction. During this time of approach, let us consult our souls to see if we have strayed from our true path. Once we see how far we have strayed, we can use the quiet and reflection of the Days of Awe to realign ourselves, to return to our true selves.

As we approach the High Holy Days, may this time be a fruitful opportunity for repentance, renewal and return. According to the effort is the reward.

L’shalom,
Rabbi Helen