It's okay to form an opinion based on the information you have, but that also means you can't just ignore or dismiss any new information that contradicts that opinion or one that gives it a broader context. Also if you realize the information you based your opinion on is false, like you can't just stick your fingers in your ears and blind yourself to the reality that you've been played.
שנה טובה ומתוקה!
For the past month of Elul (and for this past week for the Ashkenazim lol), we have been reciting selichot, preparing for Yammim Noraim, the days of awe. And finally, tonight is the start of Rosh Hashanah.
So what’s so special? Why did we take the extra time to prepare? Isn’t it just the start of a new year, Nothing more?
There are two reasons why we blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah:
One is a wake-up call, now is the time to do Teshuvah, now is the time to return to Hashem. We’ve sinned, we’ve transgressed, but now is the time to do better. We can always come back on the derech, the path.
Like how a king is announced with trumpets. Reason number two for the blowing of the shofar is that we are pronouncing Hashem as King of kings, Master of masters, and Host of hosts. We’ve grown comfortable throughout the year and we remind ourselves now of Hashem’s greatness while we renew our covenant with Hashem.
This year, when you hear the Shofars blows. Take the time to feel, to acknowledge, and to appreciate. May you have a year as sweet as Apple and Honey. Be plentiful in Mitzvot like a Pomegranate is in its seeds. And always dwell in the house of Hashem.
לשנה טובה ומתוקה
-רנה 3>
I’m slowly realising that almost nobody thinks that antisemitism is a real problem. They only think nazis are a problem (if that even), because they were conditioned to hate them.
But they don’t consider their own antisemitism to be antisemitism - they just consider it to be common sense, or justified political activism!
If I say "Israelis are human beings" and you hear "I think Palestinians are subhuman and should die," that's a problem you should work on.
Another delightful shul moment I wish I could capture. A dad rushing in last second to make sure his baby’s little hand touches the Torah and then kissed his baby’s little fingers instead of his tzitzit.
My friend has a Janakh.
שבת שלום
shabbat shalom
have a wonderful shabbos
Trying to remember this