Rituals are the place where we blend memories, identities and meaning. Rosh Hashanah is known as a day of remembrance - a monumental moment - where we sit in the balance between past and future. We remember our ancestors and our actions as we reflect on what they have taught us.
Together, we raise a glass and make a toast to Remembrance with this quote from Abraham Joshua Heschel:
“The authentic individual is neither an end nor a beginning but a link between ages, both memory and expectation...to us, recollection is a holy act; we sanctify the present by remembering the past. To us Jews, the essence of faith is memory. To believe is to remember.”
Blessing of Memory
Zichronam livracha, tzedek v’shalom
May the memories of those we have lost be for a blessing of righteousness and peace.
Reflection Questions for Yom HaZikaron - Day of Remembrance
Where did I dedicate my time, energy and resources in the past year?
Who and what do I want to remember from the past year?
