This year, come back home to synagogue services, especially if you don’t want to.
Over the past several months, I received many calls from members of the congregation telling me that while they feel connected to their Judaism and value their synagogue, they won’t be coming to synagogue these High Holydays.
Even though their need may be great, as they have suffered losses over the past year, some feel being in synagogue is too painful. They are concerned about having to interact with others who may know about their problems.
We should not let the minority pull you away from the majority. We should learn to say the following, to whomever we need to: “I’m here preparing for next year, not reliving last year.”
Many come to the synagogue on the High Holydays to connect with God. Many attend to connect with one another. Sometime we are able to do both. So if connecting with other people is too stressful at this moment, take the time to connect to God. If connecting with God is too difficult, then focus on connecting with other people. If neither feels achievable, then try to focus wholly on ourselves.
To all who feel they can not come to Yom Kippur because it is too difficult, I offer a three part invitation: come back now during the grandeur and large numbers of the High Holydays; come back again during the calmer period in the next two months for a class, a Shabbat service or a social event; and come in to meet with me privately.
Come back home, even if, and especially if, you don’t want to.
May you be inscribed for peace in the Book of Life.