Take a moment to pause and reflect on what your gift will be.
The Jewish High Holidays, beginning this year on the eve of September 29th with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, are a chance for all to take a moment to pause and reflect on the past. We do this in order to prepare for the important work that lies ahead in the future. The blowing of the Shofar, the ram’s horn, signals the beginning of these sacred days. The Shofar’s blast becomes a call to prayer, and a call to open our hearts to the current moment. It invites us to pause from the ordinary of life, to enter into reflection, and to take stock of our life and the person we have become.
Taking a moment to pause and reflect is a big part of Judaism (just as it’s a big part of being Vincentian). During this Jewish season of the High Holidays, how might the blast of the Shofar ringing in your heart be calling you to prayer or to reflect on your life? What will you offer this year as a gift of service in your personal and professional life in the DePaul community and beyond?
Wishing you good health, happiness, peace, and prosperity today and all through this year. L’shanah Tovah!
“Rosh Hashanah isn’t just about being new, it’s about a change.” – Max Levis
(Max Levis quote source: https://www.bu.edu/articles/2011/reinventing-rosh-hashanah)
Reflection by:
Mat Charnay, Coordinator for Jewish Life and Interfaith Engagement, Division of Mission and Ministry
Shanah Tovah, Mat and all readers. This was a beautiful expression of the meaning and practice of Rosh Hashanah, and wonderfully inclusive. Thank you. May it be a happy and healthy year for all our friends in the DePaul community.
—Carolyn Bronstein