Resisting the Yetser Ra

 

We are in the Hebrew month of Elul, and looking back at our actions over the past year in order to identify what needs teshuvah (restitution, if possible, and apologies) and healing. We want to repair our world and take better care of it, and ourselves.

L & I decided last week that we need to stop buying chocolate at the supermarket. The supermarket decided last week to import probably my all-time favourite UK chocolate confection:  Maltesers!

I am glad to say that, after picking up a packet, showing it to my friends and explaining how delicious they are, I was able to put it back and walk away. However, I may now need to change supermarkets.

Wishing everyone the strength to overcome their temptations, and when they slip up, to forgive themselves and then have another go!

Shana Tova 5782!

Lior created this lovely image for our virtual card to celebrate the Jewish New Year of 5782. And I made bilingual versions in acknowledgement of my recent push to bring more Italian language into my mouth and mind.

Shana Tova 5781

Am kind of excited that we get to begin a new year tomorrow. Any chance to reboot, to recalibrate, to restart is most welcome!

To all who celebrate Rosh Hashanah, may we wish you a safe, healthy and happy new year.

Yom Kippur 5773

This may be a cheesy jpeg I found via Google, but at the same time it does convey a lot of my thoughts and feelings as I prepare for Yom Kippur.

I suspect that the foundations of peace and happiness are to be found in our selves. As we do the work that heals our emotional wounds, we have fewer issues to act out upon others, and more energy to put towards positive thoughts and deeds.

Thus may I wish us all the strength to make necessary adjustments in our attitudes and behaviour so that the next days and months may be different from those that are done.

with all best wishes for a Shana Tova