Community Makeover: High Holiday Edition

Help design the change you want to see!

 The High Holiday season gives us a chance to make a “soulful accounting (cheshbon hanefesh),” as we reflect on our behavior over the past year, remembering all the missed opportunities (chayt) to do what is right and good while pledging to do better in the future.

The traditional liturgy provides an alphabetic checklist of behaviors to avoid.  What is missing is a list of positive actions people can do at home, at work and within one’s community to promote more deeds of loving kindness.

Help us generate an inventory of positive actions that we all can pledge to adopt in the coming year such as:

·         If the power goes out, then I will check on my neighbor with candles and batteries.

·         If the snow piles up, then I will help older neighbors shovel their walk.

·         If my party has leftovers, then I will take them to the shelter.

Simply think of situations where need arises and suggest ways to fill the need. Try phrasing your suggestion as an “If…then…” clause because Rabbi Hillel said it best… “If not now, (then) when?”  We will share our list on PJLL.org so you can use the ideas for your own soulful accounting during the High Holiday season.

Some "pledges of positive action" we received include: 

• I will visit the rehab center more.

• I will speak with several homeless people I pass regularly to provide more social contact for them.

• If I keep reusable bags in my car, then I will schlep back to the parking lot to get them to ensure a more environmentally-friendly shopping trip.

• checking in with my elderly friends on a regular basis

• Ask a synagogue to take another step for GLBT inclusion and hang up a copy of the "Seven Jewish Values: Guidelines for Inclusive Community" Poster.

• If I look in the mirror, I shall succeed seeing myself, and other even as s/he sees herself, and me.

• I will create less trash!

• I will check-in with my elderly friends on a regular basis.

• I will pick up more ramdom waste polluting our community.

• I will try to listen more and talk less
   

Add yours by clicking the "sign up" button below!

Also check out these High Holiday resources:

Ellul in Elul -- Diary of a 21st-Century Learner by Avi West