Rabbi's Reveries

I’ve lived in my new house for about two months and have already rearranged the furniture in my living room (twice) and in Yuval’s room. I don’t just mean that I set things up and added new furniture or organized—I’ve done that too—but in both of these rooms, I’ve tried one setup, decided it wasn’t right, and moved things around.

As I was reorganizing Yuval’s rearranged bedroom and adding some additional touches to part of the twice-rearranged living room, it occurred to me that this is part of the process of starting something new. We come into a new place, a new job, a new school, a new status, a new relationship (with another person or with ourselves), etc. and start by putting our stuff (physical and/or emotional) into it. Sure, things have changed just by virtue of the newness, but who we are and what we bring stays the same.

Nevertheless, that beginning cannot be the end. If we leave things as they are, we haven’t done our work—we haven’t grown. So we notice what’s missing and needs to be added, what no longer fits and needs to be discarded, and what’s not quite right and needs to be adjusted.

Of course, this is a process that takes time. It took weeks for me to acquire and build furniture to replace pieces that broke in the move. It took a full month for me to figure out what sort of display shelving I wanted in my dining room, though only an evening to set it up. At the same time, I’ve had decorations for Yuval’s room for a few weeks and only just put them up. I’m still not sure what to do with my backyard and it may have to wait for spring anyway. There are so many projects!

If we’re thoughtful, reflective, and aware, we will likely find that this process of starting something new, evaluating how it’s going, and adjusting and adapting never ends. Jewish tradition values this reflective practice so highly that we even have a series of holidays to get us to engage in it. From the beginning of the month of Elul, which started on August 27 this year, through Sh’mini Atzeret-Simchat Torah (October 17), we are encouraged to consider how the past year’s new beginning has gone. What did we try to do? Where did we succeed, when did we fail, how have we grown? Then, as we approach the new year, we plan again. What needs to be kept, discarded, or rearranged in order to be more successful—whatever success means and however it looks—this year?

Our series of holidays is also spaced out so we can check in on our progress. Elul kicks off the reflection and preparation period. S’lichot (September 17) encourages us to solidify our plans for change and growth. Rosh HaShanah (September 25-27) celebrates the new beginning. Yom Kippur (October 4-5) allows us to consider the behaviors and patterns that we need to discard. Sukkot (October 9-16) prompts us to rejoice in the ability to start anew, our early success, and the community that supports us when challenges arise. Finally, Sh’mini Atzeret-Simchat Torah reminds us that our deeply flawed ancestors, whose foibles and failures (and successes and triumphs) we tell year after year, still had an abiding relationship with God and merited mercy, kindness, and blessing. So, too, for us.

I know starting anew is not easy. It takes time and patience, as well as humility, courage, and perseverance. Creativity and flexibility also help. And a strong back…if you’re moving furniture around.

May you be blessed with all of these in the coming year, and may the new year bring you sweetness, joy, and health. L’shanah tovah um’tukah!

Rabbi Keren Gorban