A Holiday Message from Rabbi Kaiman, Congregation B'nai Israel, Gainesville, FL
 
We can feel it in the air. Summer is falling away and as it does Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are upon us. Soon we will join with family and friends in what I know will be a memorable and sweet opportunity to share and celebrate. Nevertheless, the passage of time is palpable during this season and we feel the years slipping by even faster and faster.

The psalmist wrote, "Limnot yameinu ken hoda, v'nai lvav chochma. Teach us to number our days that we might attain a heart of wisdom." Remarkable words to remember at this time of year! If only we can realize that the passing years should take us someplace higher - someplace where we are able to gain wisdom and insight into the conditions of our life.

There is a difficult, yet beautiful, prayer that is the highlight of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur service. In the Unetaneh Tokef prayer we read, "On Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed, how many shall pass away and how many shall be born; who shall live and who shall die..." Indeed, we read this prayer and find insight for it is a call to remember that we need to be aware of the transient nature of life. We remind ourselves, quite appropriately, that there is much unknown in the year ahead. We recall those who are no longer with us to hear the plaintive prayers of the day. Each day is full of ultimate promise and sadness too and yet we often let life pass without acknowledging the current moment that is so full of light and possibility.

Perhaps the real message of these days is to echo the call of the psalm and pray that we might make each day count for more. We do that by not forgetting who we are and what it is that is important to us. We do that by recalling the values that make our life worth living and add meaning and depth to life. It is this time of the year when we strengthen our ties to loved ones and friends who mean so much to us and we take the opportunity to prioritize our busy and complicated lives.

Over the course of my holiday messages I will address some of the complications of the Unetaneh Tokef imagery and will share with you many teachings that have helped me to come to terms with these powerful but puzzling words. How is it that we can reconcile and affirm our belief in freedom of choice and yet be so moved by the possibility that these are the days we 'pass before the God as a shepherd counts his flock'?

May the year ahead be a year where each day counts; a year where each day brings us increased wisdom, understanding, hope and love.

Shana Tova Tikateivu,
Rabbi David Kaiman