continued from Home page...

But how? Sometimes we need inspiration. Last night, I saw an incredible movie- GET LOW, WITH ROBERT DUVAL. This is a movie about tshuvah, the need to confess one’s sins: to oneself, to God, and to others.

The movie tells the story of an unshaven, rough edged hermit who has imposed a sentence of isolation upon himself for forty years, and feels compelled to publicly “do tshuvah”, confess and make amends, before he dies. I found it to be deeply moving, and urge you to see this film if possible.

Now is the time to “Get Low”, to go inside and spend a few moments daily of self-reflection, despite the pressures of work, school, and the change of seasons. The Jewish tradition urges us to read Psalm 27 twice a day during Elul. I know that Psalms are often difficult to decipher, but this Reconstructionist translation speaks to the heart.

A PSALM OF DAVID

THE ETERNAL is my light and my salvation; whom, then, should I fear?

THE ALMIGHTY is my living source of strength; before whom should I tremble?

When evildoers approach to eat my flesh, when tormenters and enemies come after me,

See how they stumble; see how they tumble down!

Should a force encamp against me, my heart shall have no fear; should a war arise against me, in one thing I shall trust, one thing have I asked of GOD, one goal do I pursue; to dwell in THE ETERNAL’s house throughout my days, to know the bless of THE SUBLIME, to visit in God’s temple.

Truly, in a day of trouble, I am nested in God’s shelter, hidden in the recess of God’s tent. God set me high upon a rock.

And now, my head is raised in triumph on my foes around me, and I offer sacrifice in celebration in God’s tent. I offer song and melody to MY REDEEMER.

Hear me, PRECIOUS ONE, I call aloud: Be gracious to me, answer me!

To you my heart cries out, to you my face is turned; Your presence, GRACIOUS ONE, I seek.

Hide not your face from me; do not, in anger, turn away your servant.

You have been my help, don’t shun me now; do not abandon me, my God who saves!

For my father and my mother have abandoned me, but the LIVING ONE shall take me in.

Teach me your way, WISE ONE, and guide me in a just path as I meet my foes.

Don’t place me at the mercy of my enemies, for slanderers arise against me, and they fume in violence.

Were it not for my belief that I’ll behold GOD’S goodness in the Land of Life…

Hope, then, for THE ETERNAL ONE; strengthen your heart with courage, and have hope in THE ETERNAL.

Psalm 27

Hopefully, this psalm can bring insight and inspiration. A current movie, an ancient piece of wisdom, or even just a quiet, reflective moment in a far too busy day, all can bring us to the gates of the Holiday season. Now is the time to begin. L’Shanah Tovah … for a good year. Rabbi Judith