Most of us are very busy. It seems that we are running from point A to point B with work, charitable work, social obligations, shopping, errands, pet care, household maintenance; the list grows ever longer and we feel that we are becoming ever more busy. Perhaps that’s why in this era of ‘labor–saving devices’ we all feel ever more tired and in need of a break. Labor Day approaches and offers one more chance to catch an important breath. Just beyond Labor Day is Rosh Hashanah which serves to remind us that we are part of the world. Time and the universe were created on Rosh Hashanah and this holiday is to reawaken our individual connections to God and the universe’s own rhythm.

       But it’s not easy to jump into Rosh Hashanah without any preparation.

     Join us Saturday evening Sep. 5 at 8:00 p.m. for an enjoyable cooking seminar ( we are learning how to make a popular Israeli dish- shakshuka) and then remain to adorn our sanctuary. Each of us has a role to play in preparing the Shul itself for Rosh Hashanah. The cost for the food is $3 per person.

        A 30 minute Selichot preparatory service will be conducted after the dressing of the Torah scrolls in their special white covers. It is an opportunity for us to enter the New Year as individuals who choose to be part of a larger group. Will you join us to dress the Torah scrolls?

       This Shabbat morning we read the Parsha which is named Ki Tavo which means ‘when you enter’. It refers to the Israelites who are anticipating their entry into the Promised Land. They worked hard -travelling through the wilderness, seeking water, caring for their families, tending their animals. They must have longed for a vacation weekend too. But, their Labor Day was just beginning. They were about to cross over the Jordan River in order to build a society. Talk about work never stopping!

       Their labor paid off! Israel became a reality and we are the descendants. Will we live up to the holy work, beginning with Rosh Hashanah, of making our lives matter? The choice is ours. Please choose to belong.

 Here’s to resting from too much work! 

 Shabbat Shalom,

 Rabbi Steve Silberman