Hey Lab/Shul,
Yes, we know, it’s nearing the end of summer, mid-Elul, and almost the new Jewish year.
Other than making sure you had enough beach time — how else are you preparing for the new year with focus and clarity?
For me, one of the most moving, challenging, and important parts of this season of return and reflection is the invitation to repair relationships that may have gone sour or just a little off. Who would appreciate an apology from you? With whom do you have some unfinished business that could use a brave and honest conversation? With what part of yourself do you want to have this check in?
“I’m sorry” is one of the hardest and most meaningful sentences with which we can honor each other. We can do so with sincerity and tenderness, and we often need all the help we can get. Deadlines help – which is why we love this season that reminds us that atonement begins in the heart, and with each other.
I have my own list of calls to make, amends to focus on, and apologies to offer.
If in any way I’ve offended or hurt you – and may not be aware of it — please forgive me if possible. And please let me know. We so often hurt each other and keep on walking. Let’s heal whatever hurts we can handle.
To help us all say sorry, we’ve got a Saturday night coming up with two ritual programs – both focusing on Selichot – the Jewish ritual of Forgiveness, always occurring on the last Saturday night of each year.
Join us on Saturday night, September 9, in NYC and online for Sit + Sorry – A Jewish & Zen Buddhist Night of Forgiveness. Join me along with our own Shira Kline, Naomi Less, and Ben Freeman, together with Senseis Koshin and Chodo for a virtual, intimate, sacred eve of reflection and meditation, shared traditions, live music and spiritual preparation for the new year.
Later that same evening, Lab/Shul is thrilled to co-sponsor another Selichot event: Monajat-Selichot, with Galeet Dardashti. This celebration of the release of Galeet’s new record reinvents the ritual of Selichot–nightly poetry sung in spiritual preparation for the Jewish New Year, inspired by recordings of her late grandfather Younes Dardashti, a master singer of Persian classical music in 1950s/60s Iran.
Get your tickets for the concert on September 9 at Littlefield in Brooklyn, presented by The Neighborhood: An Urban Center for Jewish Life.
And, don’t forget to PrePent with us from now through Yom Kippur!
– Print this page
– Hand write in your word of choice
– Take a selfie including your face and the page
– Send the photo naomi@labshul.org including 1-2 sentences about why you chose this word.
Rabbi Amichai
