September 25, 2008

Whether or not you’re ready for the High Holy Days, it certainly feels like the Day of Judgment is near.

Wall Street in meltdown. Gas prices soaring. The Mideast in turmoil. It’s hard to pick up a newspaper and not think that somebody is being judged — and that somebody is you.

Perhaps, but it’s a minority view in Jewish life that God doles out catastrophes on a point system — do this much sin, receive this much punishment. Rather, when we talk about heshbon hanefesh — the spiritual accounting — we are to undertake during the Days of Awe, the question is not why we are being judged, but what we can do to make the most of our lot, the good and the bad. Those in synagogue pray as a community that we all consider the ways we squandered the opportunities given us. Sometimes those opportunities — a new job, a fresh start, a financial windfall — are positive. And sometimes, like now, they seem anything but.

The goal of Rosh Hashana is not to bemoan our lot, but to pray that we are worthy to take advantage of our opportunities and to overcome our challenges. And luckily, in the case of communities as diverse and blessed as our own, we have the chance to do both. Those among us struggling under unexpected financial burdens will have to pray that we not succumb to despair. And those among us who have the means to weather the current storms will have to commit to the acts of justice and loving-kindness to help the less fortunate.

Feeling judged? Perhaps you should. But the Jewish way is that having been judged, we seek forgiveness by pledging to do better, to be more righteous, and to make a better world.

The staff of New Jersey Jewish News wishes you a sweet holiday, a happy year, and a “good inscription” — a good judgment.

Comment: comments@njjewishnews.com