Today was Yom Kippur, the day of atonement.. it’s the day that all jews think of their sins and shortcomings from the previous year.. an think how we can  adjust our actions in the coming year to improve ..   Again.. i decided not to go to temple.. I’m finding that it no longer calls to me.. instead, I spent the day quietly fasting.. I didn’t eat or drink for about 24 hours.. actully.. it was more like 23.. I sure don’t get where the term ‘fast’ comes from.. the time passes slowly.. not because of hunger or thirst.. but because of low blood sugar.. i get quiet and crankly by noon. By 6PM I’m dizzy..   It’s kind of fun every onece and a while..

I like one tradiiton of the holdiay.. it’s a prayer called the Al Khet

You read it to yourself.. and strike your chest (softly) for each sin.. You have to admit it’s a pretty comprehensive list..

For the sin which we have committed before You under duress or willingly.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by hard-heartedness.
For the sin which we have committed before You inadvertently.
And for the sin which we have committed before You with an utterance of the lips.
For the sin which we have committed before You with immorality.
And for the sin which we have committed before You openly or secretly.
For the sin which we have committed before You with knowledge and with deceit.
And for the sin which we have committed before You through speech.
For the sin which we have committed before You by deceiving a fellowman.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by improper thoughts.
For the sin which we have committed before You by a gathering of lewdness.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by verbal [insincere] confession.
For the sin which we have committed before You by disrespect for parents and teachers.
And for the sin which we have committed before You intentionally or unintentionally.
For the sin which we have committed before You by using coercion.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by desecrating the Divine Name.
For the sin which we have committed before You by impurity of speech.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by foolish talk.
For the sin which we have committed before You with the evil inclination.
And for the sin which we have committed before You knowingly or unknowingly.
For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.
For the sin which we have committed before You by false denial and lying.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by a bribe-taking or a bribe-giving hand.
For the sin which we have committed before You by scoffing.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by evil talk [about another].
For the sin which we have committed before You in business dealings.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by eating and drinking.
For the sin which we have committed before You by [taking or giving] interest and by usury.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by a haughty demeanor.
For the sin which we have committed before You by the prattle of our lips.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by a glance of the eye.
For the sin which we have committed before You with proud looks.
And for the sin which we have committed before You with impudence.
For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.
For the sin which we have committed before You by casting off the yoke [of Heaven].
And for the sin which we have committed before You in passing judgment.
For the sin which we have committed before You by scheming against a fellowman.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by a begrudging eye.
For the sin which we have committed before You by frivolity.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by obduracy.
For the sin which we have committed before You by running to do evil.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by tale-bearing.
For the sin which we have committed before You by swearing in vain.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by causeless hatred.
For the sin which we have committed before You by embezzlement.
And for the sin which we have committed before You by a confused heart.
For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.
And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a burnt-offering.
And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a sin-offering.
And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a varying offering [according to one’s means
And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a guilt-offering for a certain or doubtful trespass.
And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of lashing for rebelliousness.
And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of forty lashes.
And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of death by the hand of Heaven.
And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of excision and childlessness.

Forty lashes ? Burnt offerings ? .. Who writes this stuff ?!?!

 

I did manage to get out for a walk in the woods to think. My buddy gary went with me..  we talked about new year resolutions.. if you can call them that..   I walked home by myself thinking of the past year..  I resolved to try and make the following changes

1) try to do fewer things, better

2) to do more and talk less

3) (iI got this one from Max) More mystery and less history.. that is.. listen more to others , talk less about myself.

These are on top of my normal intentons I think about every day

1) be a fun and loving X (where X is dad, husband, son. brother, coworker, neighbor etc)

2) have abundent good health

3) do work that is meaningful and fun

4) give back to the world

5) find peace in my life

 

Right now I need to make progress on 3 and 5.. Hopefulyl the changes above may hep me there

 

I broke fast around 6:30.. and boy did it feel good to get my blood sugar back up. My old freind Eric dropped by from new york. and he and his daughter Sarakh helped me hang the peace sign I made Gary in the tower..

then max and his friends came home.. by the end of the evening.. I think we had 23 folks for dinner..   As good a fast break for me as I could have hoped !.

OK folks.. I nede to get my newy ears rest,..

nite all, nite sam

-me