Our first priority is to rejoice.  Judaism commands us to celebrate.  It insists that we cannot rejoice alone.  We are uplifted by our community.  Our hearts rejoice in the swirl of people dancing around us.  A wedding can only become a simcha with others. 

How do you celebrate sukkot in the pouring rain? The Talmud answers, “Go inside!” It is a joy to be Jewish!

Healing begins by forgiving yourself. It is aided by friends and supported by community. And healing is magnified by gratitude.

The tradition teaches Ahavat Yisrael—love of the Jewish people.  These days love is what is demanded of us.  We must not allow our disagreements to create divisions.  Our tradition loves disagreements.  It rejects divisions. 

Perhaps it is almost as if I am waiting for them to call me.  I am longing for another conversation.  Let me have just one more phone call with them. And so, on this Yizkor I would like us to imagine, and perhaps even have, that conversation.

We will affirm even if no one else notices, God takes note.  Yom Kippur restores our faith in the weight of our actions, in the worthiness of our deeds.  We enter these days striving to leave an even better imprint—for all time.