Rabbi’s Corner – There and Back Again Edition

Dear Friends,

Writer Elbert Hubbard once said, “No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one.” I’m thrilled to prove to be an exception having just returned from a relaxing and much needed week off.   The highlight was nothing too extravagant, just a walk in the woods in Hope, NJ. However, I’ve found few releases more effective than the simple serenity of nature and the respite from the inundation of information.

The truth is that it in these moments of quiet where we can truly take the opportunity to reflect.  More to the point, without the external distractions of the world around us, we are actually forced to be with ourselves.  We do not have the avenues of escape which either provide comfort or at least allow us the excuse for avoiding honest introspection.

But I would suggest that such introspection is absolutely essential in our preparation for the High Holidays, for how can we honestly approach God if we cannot face ourselves with integrity?  I know as much as anyone the myriad of daily distractions we face, but I would also recommend that we all set aside some “quiet time” through which we can perform our own heshbon hanefesh – evaluation of the soul.  And may we return from these inner journeys with a better understanding of where we are, and the life we would ultimately like to lead.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Josh Yuter