Yom Kippur

Waiting for Atonement

During the Days of Awe this year, I have been thinking a lot about a conversation I had last Sunday with my 8-year-old son, Ezra, after he angered me with his defiant back-talk. I have been asking myself – do I continue to forgive him for the same infractions over and over again?

Ezra is very good at apologizing for talking back and not listening. He is sincere, contrite and adorable. Until I ask him to do something he is morally against, such as teeth brushing or bed making. Then there is no justice, no peace. 

Learning to Fast on Yom Kippur

The most memorable Yom Kippur for me was 5746, my 15th. After the morning services I went to my friend Karen’s house and prematurely broke the fast with a few Cool Ranch Doritos. When I confessed to my father, he marched me over to Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel, led me halfway down the aisle and placed me in a seat.

“Don’t come home until after the shofar blows.”