A Bisl Torah

Many reflect about children’s additional responsibilities as they take on their new title.

When we teach our children, the lesson they glean should be sharp and clear enough, so they feel anchored by our tradition and confident in our values.

Sukkot emphasizes that which we intrinsically know. We go outside and show the world that no matter the environment, we will express our Judaism with pride and joy.

The sukkah reminds us to go out into the world, especially when the comforts of insularity beckon us closer—to explore paths we have yet to take and seek journeys ready for wandering.

Yom Kippur is admitting our plentiful regrets and summoning and building our inner determination and drive to be better people, regrets, and all.

Rosh Hashana is reserved for soulful transformation: Resolving to be something different in the Jewish new year.

Repenting includes examining and admitting our mistakes. Seeking forgiveness. Determining to do better. Being better. Every single day.

What is it that we want to renew within ourselves, strengthen, embolden, and what characteristics and traits should ultimately be discarded?

Wounds reopen; repair is sometimes never really over.

The philosopher Maimonides explains that if someone asks you for forgiveness, you should be open to their heartfelt apology. But this isn’t always realistic.