My Personal Al Cheyt

I want to add my voice to the multitude with a forgiveness of myself, as a vehicle for both forgiving others and setting a right path for the coming year.

Forgive me for:
Letting myself be guided by the fear of what might not be, instead of the possibility of what could;
Not realizing that I have enough and I am enough;
Holding on to material things and letting them substitute for the experiences and meaning I associate with them;
Not releasing tension;
Being beholden to my ego;
Not reaching out to others often enough;
Allowing myself to get caught up in the judgements of others;
Not recognizing the spirit of Gd in others;
Wishing I was somewhere other than where I am;
Not letting go and trusting;
Splitting myself from the reality of the universe;
Not seeing that I am one with the earth;
Being lazy, mentally, emotionally, and physically;
Not taking care of my body, my heart, and my soul;
Distracting myself from the task at hand;
Not being part of the solution;

For all these shortcomings, may the Force that makes forgiveness possible forgive me, pardon me, and make at-one-ment possible.

New Beginnings

Part of what has been heavy on my mind these last few weeks has been a longing for community, a sense that wholeness would come again by connecting with a group of folks with whom I could share celebrations and jewish practice, as well as connect with on a personal level.

The idea had been gestating in my heart for some time and in my mind for some time more. With the help of a few amazing folks, Dor Hadash was launched last week. We had an amazing Shabbat Potluck (a bit light on the Kabbalat, since there weren't any siddurim!) with 25 amazing folks. It felt like both an act of Teshuvah and Tikkun - turning back on a missed deed and healing a little corner of the world. The joy in the room was palpable. Thanks to all involved.

Also, I know I'm behind on a post or two - forgive me. I'll hopefully write more this coming week.