L’Shana Tova!

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the people of Israel, saying: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of complete rest, a holy convocation commemorated with trumpet blasts. You shall not work at your occupations; and you shall present the LORD’s offering by fire.

This blessing is used by Reformed Jews on Rosh Hashanah evening (you can hear it sung here):

Source of blessing, Eternal our God,

Your majestic power creates the fruit of the vine.

Source of blessing, Eternal oru God, in Your majestic power

You chose us to make known Your aspirations among all the many peoples,

Making our lives holy through Your commandments.

In Your love, Eternal our God,

You have given us this Day of Remembrance:

A day for the shofar’s joyful sound

A day of sacred assembly;

A day to be mindful of our people’s going-out from Egypt.

A unique place among the nations You have chosen for us –

And Your word is true; it endures forever.

Blessed are You, Eternal Sovereign over all the earth,

Who sanctifies Israel and the Day of Remembrance.

As we seek to live in peace with those around us, may we lift up our Jewish sisters and brothers as they rest, celebrate, and prepare themselves for Yom Kippur. They remind us that God never abandons those God loves, that God has brought God’s loved ones out of slavery and continues to be present with them through the darkest of valleys.

Perhaps take a moment this week to rest and eat something sweet (always my plan!) and consider deeply the love of God that remains with us through the mountains and valleys, the seas and deserts, and pray, too, that this next year will be sweet!

L’shanah Tova!

Rev. Dr. Amy Chilton