„The accounting of the soul and the trembling of awe - these are the p…”

We must discern two processes in the festivals of Tishrei - the process of labor: the accounting of the soul, prayer, the request for pardon and forgiveness, and the desire to change. And the process that follows it - a process of building and growth.

The 'plowed field' (nir) is the preliminary process of plowing, a process in which the hard earth undergoes loosening and awakens to life in anticipation of rain. This is a difficult and grueling process that includes within it hard work and at times even real pains. But in these moments we must remember the process that comes after this plowing - a process of joy and fulfillment, a process of labor that will fill with good the coming year for our benefit. A process of growth.

When we are in the midst of labor, we often see mainly the difficulty. Despair may creep into the thought that perhaps we do not know how to do our work properly, that perhaps we are not good enough. And this process is important - there is a need for loosening and for difficulty; it is part of the labor. But together with it, and no less so, there is a need for boldness of mind and the exultation of the spirit. It is joy that will ultimately lead us to the good and true place for us.

A good and sweet year to you all

May the festivals be for joy, and may you be sealed for good.

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