The month of October is packed, from beginning to end, with the Jewish high holy days this year (remember that the Jewish calendar is a lunar calendar, nearly 6,000 years old). It begins on October 2, 2024 with Erev Rosh Hashanah and ends at sundown on October 25m 2024 with the close of Simchat Torah. There is joy, forgiveness, resilience, family, reflection, song and prayer
The 10 Days of Awe, also known as the Days of Repentance, are a deeply significant period in the Jewish calendar, spanning from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur. These ten days are a time for introspection, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Beginning with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, this period marks the start of a fresh chapter, inviting individuals to evaluate their actions over the past year and seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings. It is a time to mend relationships, both with others and with oneself, fostering a sense of community and personal growth.
During these days, Jews engage in practices such as prayer, repentance, and charity, aiming to cleanse their souls and prepare for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This final day is considered the holiest day of the year, dedicated to fasting, prayer, and seeking atonement from God. The Days of Awe are not just about seeking forgiveness but also about making a sincere commitment to change and improve. They offer a powerful reminder of the potential for transformation and the importance of compassion, humility, and self-improvement123. This period is a beautiful blend of solemnity and hope, encouraging a renewed sense of purpose and connection to one’s faith and community.
In this new year, we a Playing Together Project will continue bringing people together for Shabbat dinners and events centering Black Jews and gathering all Jews and Black people in San Diego around the table. We will have a Jewish solidarity tent at the Juneteenth Freedom Festival in Memorial Park again in 2025. We continue with preparation for our storytelling project and we are creatively working on ways to offer community dialogue sessions.
May it be a sweet year for you!