Monday, September 27, 2010

Shana Tova

At this season of the year we give thanks for new beginnings. New beginnings can give us a sense of awe about the goodness and wonder of life. In the prayer, shechecheyanu, recited on all new occasions and joyous events, we thank God for giving us life, sustaining us and enabling us to reach this season.

The Jewish New Year has given us a chance to step back and look at the big picture in life. Often in life we focus on all that is breaking down around us. But immediately after Yom Kippur, with building of the Sukkah on Sukkot, we can also see there is building up.

Today, I am thankful to all of you, for your presence and helping to build a warm, welcoming and dynamic new Reconstructionist community, Kehillah Chadashah (A New Community). May we go from strength to strength in the year ahead. May this season strengthen our sense of awe and enable us to ever more appreciate the beauty and goodness of life.

- Rabbi Mona Decker