This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat of return. The ten days, in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the ten days of teshuva. During these days we are urged to be more self aware, to notice our thoughts and actions. We are then charged to try to be better and to not repeat our same mistakes.

The word teshuva is often translated as repentance. Yet, the root of this word means returning. The goal of the High Holidays is for us to truly look at who we are, to examine ourselves. We aim to see who we really are, as our best selves. We then must ask ourselves if we are on the path to being this ideal version of us.

Teshuva or repentance is hard work, yet life is hard work. In order for our lives to be increasingly meaningful, we must reach out to God, reach out to each other and be better.

Shabbat Shalom & G’mar Chatima Tovah,
Rabbi Sara Metz