
A time of examination—
September 24, 2023
Greetings friends
My apologies for being late. There were some technical difficulties at issue, which I hope have been resolved.
Happy fall equinox to each and every one of you. You are in perfect balance and can decide which way you want to go.
You have been inscribed and will be sealed in the Book of Life as you undergo your examination of self.
It is our time to exercise the forgiveness mechanism – forgiving those we need to forgive and seeking forgiveness from those we need to seek forgiveness from – but do so with sincerity, accountability, and with vulnerability.
Work to make the world a better place. Start with your world. We can always make things better – by opening our hearts and choosing love.
During this time of introspection, we have had a huge group of people sign the Book of Life or have their names signed in, and we can still do so before the book is sealed, but I know your name has already been entered in the great celestial book.
As we get ready for Yom Kippur – the day of atonement, at-one-ment, when we are at one with the entire universe, we get a glimpse into the majesty of creation, and our name is sealed in the book for another year. It is also one of the four times when the public memorial services are held, and we will be lighting candles for everyone who wants a candle lit to help elevate the souls of your lost loved ones. You still have time to send me their names, and a candle will be lit.
Yom Kippur – is a time to be part of everything, a time of cleansing. It is for you to examine the depths of your soul and the mirror of self. The soul is the reflection of the body – as above, so below.
We know right from wrong; we know we have hurt others, the “universe,” ourselves. This is the time to take stock of those offenses and ask forgiveness from those affected.
It is not enough to simply say —
To those I have wronged, I ask forgiveness.
To those I may have helped, I wish I had done more.
To those I neglected to help, I ask for understanding.
To those who helped me, I thank you with all my heart.
This week, in addition to thinking about the changes we need to make, we read the song of Moses, who says – Let my teaching drop like rain, my saying flow like dew, like showers on the green and like cloudbursts on the grass.
And you can absorb them like the earth absorbs the rain. The words of God can be absorbed right into you. Think about what you want and how you want to live your life. Remember your intention sets everything in your life in motion – so pay attention to everything you say, do, be – think before you speak. Remember that your words are the magic carpet to action – they are our friends, our enemies, our healers, and our destroyers – they are the tools of creation and the tools of destruction as you move along your path of holiness.
Do not count life by how many breaths you take – but by what takes your breath away – So embrace the freedom to be you – the you you want to be, the life you want to live – how you want to be remembered.
And please do continue to spread love and forgiveness and healing to all you know in need of renewal and see the blessings in your life; see the miracles; see the beauty; see the growth, see the opportunity – they are everywhere. Take some time and make sacred time and sacred space a part of your life.
This episode will be posted on our channel – click here to watch the Rabbi David Gellman Show in both the 2023 cycle and the ceremonies and special events section.
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Thank you all for allowing me into your homes, into your electronic devices, into your hearts – as you are all with me in mine –
Be well, be happy, be healthy, be free, be kind, be forgiving, be compassionate, be independent of mind and deed, be mindful of your intentions, and be good to yourself. Continue to celebrate freedom of choice in your life, do not give in to fear, and enjoy the peace that comes from acceptance – and as always – if you have any questions or suggestions or just want to say “hi,” please send me an email. I love hearing from you.
And remember, anytime you do not want to receive these anymore, please send me an email so I can remove you. And know – that I truly appreciate your sharing your sacred time with me.
Enjoy and celebrate your life and the lives of others, and in doing so, be safe, my friends, be happy, and may you all sow the seeds of and reap the rewards of peace and love and miracles, and make sure you also celebrate your unique individuality and your incredible awesomeness.
And remember – your world is what you make it. Just wish upon a star and continue to be the miracle in someone’s life.
“ketiva v’chatima tova” – “may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year” – and I know you are – and as the holy day concludes, it is “gamar chatimah tovah – a good final sealing.”
An easy fast to all, blessings to you and yours, and share your love.
Blessings
RD
Respecting our past; Putting faith in your future
Click to see newsletters and commentaries from the Rabbi:
09/16/2023 – The high holy days
09/15/2023 – High Holidays-September Newsletter
09/09/2023 – Getting ready to close the book
09/02/2023 – The formula of prayer
08/26/2023 – Honor, dignity, decency
08/19/2023 – Judgment with justice
08/12/2023 – What do you see?
08/05/2023 – On account of a choice
07/29/2023 – One alone
07/22/2023 – Words
07/14/2023 – The never-ending journey
07/08/2023 – The final number
07/01/2023 – The changing of the guard
06/24/2023 – The twin rebellions
06/17/2023 – The new giants
06/11/2023 – Know your nature
06/03/2023 – Bless you
05/27/2023 – Devotion and dedication
05/19/2023 – The journey home
05/13/2023 – The year of freedom
05/06/2023 – What you say ripples through the echoes of time
04/29/2023 – Holy is as holy does
04/22/2023 – Contagion and purification
04/15/2023 – The praetorian guard of God
04/07/2023 – The festival of freedom
Please email for the link to the weekly Online Shabbat Service
See the Rabbi David Gellman YouTube Channel
02/25/2023 – From the heart02/18/2023 – Dignity and decency for all
The who, what, where, when, and why
Farewell to a family; farewell to vengeance
Sweep away whatever holds you back
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Respecting our past; Putting faith in your future
Please email for the link to the weekly Online Shabbat Service
See the Rabbi David Gellman YouTube Channel
