October 8, 2019

We cannot escape, we cannot delay, we cannot turn away. On Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed. Here we stand: before ourselves, before each other and before whatever higher powers in which you believe — with a moral responsibility, a commanding tradition, a dedicated moment to repent, to fast, to pray, to give. I have summoned the courage to admit where I’ve erred, recognize damage to which I’ve contributed and acknowledge ways that I’ve gone astray, personally seeking and now openly asking for forgiveness from any I may have wronged — knowingly or unknowingly, by word or deed, through action or neglect, recently or in days gone by. I humbly apologize and honestly ask for understanding communication (please, reach out to me), as I recommit to right the wrongs, do the hard work, show up more fully, face worthy challenges and make necessary change within myself, in my behavior and in relations with others to live a life of integrity, purpose, service and light. On this holiest of holy days, the day of atonement without food or distraction or physical pleasure, I open myself genuinely before you, all of you — for I am alive. That blessing, that miracle, that gift of life force means I posses the power, capacity and will to seek, actualize and receive redemption, however that may be defined. You too are alive. Thus you too can make amends, adjust even ever so slightly, start somewhere, strengthen commitment, strive for something new, shatter conditioning, shift paradigms. This Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur, as I disconnect with the outside world to offer solemn prayer and focus on intense, intimate, insightful introspection from sundown to sundown and beyond, my essential prayer remains simple: health, healing, wholeness and happiness for those I love and all they hold dear. May you and yours be inscribed in the Book of Life. Gmar chatima tova.

 

And for the kind souls generously wishing to include me in prayer, my Hebrew name is Erayna bat Yehudit Hanna.