I didn’t fast on Yom KippurThe holiest day of the Jewish year and the culmination of a season of self-reflection. Jews fast, abstain from other worldly pleasures, and gather in prayers that last throughout the day. Following Ne'ilah, the final prayers, during which Jews envision the Gates of Repentance closing, the shofar is sounded in one long blast to conclude the holy day. It is customary to begin building one's sukkah as soon as the day ends.
But I nourished my body for my unborn child and contemplated who I want to be for my growing family
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I attended services online and looked for meaningful ways to connect with community in prayer and solidarity
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But instead of becoming angry with my children for being children, I took them out to play and socialize and burn energy after being cooped up all weekend
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I shared with my spouse that I would not partake in sweets in a way to refrain from my daily routines and focus on intentionality with food
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I mended my relationship with my spouse and children by being present in the moment and honest about my feelings in a positive way
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I began to heal a wound of trust with my spouse and that takes forgiveness and love and willingness to change
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I was gentler with myself and those around me
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I refrained from thinking or speaking negative thoughts about myself
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But when my spouse confronted me about something I did that bothered him, I didn’t fight or defend my actions. I listened and I heard
I didn’t fast in Yom Kippur
But I made my time online intentional by reading about the day and how other Jews are coping and choosing and forgiving themselves and one another
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I didn’t recoil or withhold love and affection from my spouse
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I taught my son about not judging people based on their looks or differences
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I made plans on how to carry teshuvah and repentance with me everyday to bring me closer to my best self
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I chose not to argue or fight when I realized I was misunderstood
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I gave my children undivided attention by intentionally leaving my phone outside of playtime
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I helped to arrange a beautiful family visit and outing for the holiday season
I didn’t fast on Yom Kippur
But I prayed for the complete healing of my brother and talked with him while he recovered
I didn’t fast for Yom Kippur
But my heart and mind were in the place of positive change
And I pray that my actions are acceptable to HaShemLit. The Name, referring to the ineffable name of God; used as a substitute for any of the more sacred names of God when not speaking in prayer. Particularly used in conversation., my rock and my redeemer
May we all be sealed for goodness, today and always.
