Reshaping the Puzzle

Among the most fascinating phenomena is the notion of time, and how quickly it seems to pass us by.  As I write this article, I find myself mere 6 weeks away from the High Holiday season of 5768 – 2007.   I am often asked to recommend ways in which we can better prepare for the High Holidays.  Some obvious pointers include ordering your kosher meat well in advance, and not waiting until the last minute to bring your new shul clothes to the dressmaker.  But alas, my true specialty lies in being able to help you prepare by providing two less obvious, though undoubtedly more meaningful, suggestions.  In the weeks leading up to the High Holidays, spend time focusing on Cheshbon Hanefesh and Teshuva.

What is Cheshbon Hanefesh?  Literally, it translates as “spiritual accounting”.  Within the context of our lives, it is a way in which we are able to evaluate our progress as individuals.  It is a self-established marker, an alarm clock of sorts.  God wishes for every human being to fulfill his or her respective goals and to live to his or her fullest capabilities.  Through introspection and self-examination, two specific examples of Cheshbon Hanefesh, we are able to evaluate our successes and failures of the past year.  We are then able to use this self-evaluation as a means towards self-improvement and further development of our positive traits.  Was my time used constructively?  Did I love those around me?  Was I forgiving of myself?  Did I transform my criticisms into positive improvements?  Was I tolerant of all people from all backgrounds?  It is only once we have acknowledged our successes and failures, forgiven ourselves, and constructively created a plan of action for improvement that we can then move on to the next step – Teshuva.

Teshuva means repentance.  It is incumbent upon us to seek forgiveness from our peers for any wrongdoing we may have inflicted upon them.  We must make time to talk to our family, friends, and acquaintances, and discuss issues that have affected us in the past year.  Dialogue builds tolerance, awareness, and strengthens relationships.  Talk.

In order to be ready to receive God’s mercy this High Holiday season, we must first heal our own personal wounds, the wounds of others, and open our hearts to acceptance and tolerance.  Our top priority is to be true to our hearts and to bridge the gaps between humans.  Appeasing God is only the subsequent action.  So, over these next few weeks, take apart the puzzle that is your life, analyze and polish each piece, and when putting the puzzle back together, create a new and improved shape – reshape your life!

In so doing, you will be ready to receive God’s compassion.

I wish the entire Atlantic Jewish community a meaningful holiday season.

Cantor Ari Isenberg
Spiritual Leader, Shaar Shalom Congregation
Halifax, NS