DAYS OF INTROSPECTION

As we begin to recite Slichot this Sunday , my mind turns towards our preparations for the Yom Tov of Rosh Hashana.
Socrates, the Greek philosopher, was also celebrated as a teacher.  One day an arrogant young man came to him and said, "Great teacher, I wish to acquire learning."  The philosopher appraised the young man critically and said, "Follow me."
Together, they left the house and walked through the city until they came to a small river.  Socrates beckoned the would-be student to follow him into the water.  When they were in the middle of the river, the philosopher pushed the youth's head under water and held it down for some time.
When he released him Socrates asked, "When you were struggling in the water what did you desire most?"
"Learning, oh master," replied  the student.  Again Socrates pushed the young man's head under the water for a long time and again asked what his greatest desire was.
"Learning," panted the young man.  Again Socrates pushed him under the water and held him there until he ceased to struggle.  Then pulling him from the water, he asked,  "and now what was your greatest desire?"  The young man gasped, "air."

Socrates smiled and said, " when you desire learning as much as you desire air you shall have it."

As we experience this High Holy Day period, the holiest time of the year, we find ourselves in another spiritual climate as we stand in reverence before G-D.  Instead of feeling that religious observance as an afterthought, or that religion is an accessory of life, we desire, as did the drowning man, faith as the breath of life.

During this time of year, our blurred vision is properly focused and the main distractions and prejudices of the year disappear.  We see a new light of understanding and a light of the spirit.

Penitently, we pray to the Almighty, asking His help and guidance in transforming ourselves so that religion will become as important to us as it had ever been to our parents and our grandparents.

There is a spirituality electrifying mood in the synagogue on Rosh Hashanah . If, during the year our heads are under the water of business and material gain, on Rosh Hashana we come up for spiritual air.

The call goes out from the Almighty to each one, "Oh, you  Jewish men and women, remember your responsibilities to your G-D, to your children and to your community.  Remember that you have an obligation to help build and to maintain the sanctuary that is your Jewish Home.

It is during these turbulent times that greater introspection into our personal lives is required and understandably greater D'Vekut Ba'shem.

As we approach these  days of awe, let us be mindful of this great opportunity that is presented to us , an opportunity to bring changes into our spiritual lives that will usher in a new era of peace and tranquility for ourselves and for  Klall Yisrael.
                                             לשנה טובה


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