A message from Rabbi Sara Abrams
The Shulchan Aruch references Deuteronomy 30:6, which states, “And God will correct your heart and the heart of your offspring to love God…” Thus, it is the heart—not the mind or body—where reformation truly begins. Once the heart is softened, we find the courage to face our shortcomings and the tenacity to seek renewal once again, recognizing that correction from the Divine is like that of a protective parent gently guiding a small child in the right direction.
It is up to each of us to seek out the Divine, to set our hearts right, and to navigate the path from the worldly to the sublime. No one can do this work for us, yet each of us—as Judaism implores—is called to return to the heart and to the inner knowing that the Divine has a unique message for every soul and is always ready to meet us. We need only be willing to take the first steps.
In our own childlike way, we often look to others for guidance—or try to correct others in ways we believe they should be better. It’s only human. Yet, in doing so, we sometimes overstep, intruding on the sacred relationship another has with the Creator. When we browbeat others into our way of thinking, we risk playing God, involving ourselves in business that is not ours. Our true power lies in tending to our own path, which grants us the patience to allow ourselves—and our neighbors—to evolve at their own pace.
As we enter this second season of the High Holy Days that I will spend with you, I pray that we support one another in our similarities and differences, and that we reach out—to each other, and to God. Our members are working hard to create a meaningful High Holy Day experience, and we invite each and every one of you to join us at TBT in ensuring there is a Reform Jewish presence in Central Oregon.
This sacred season calls us to reconnect—both in heaven and on earth. We hope you will do so with our community.
Shana Tovah
Rabbi Sara