I’m Jewish, and it’s Yom Kippur, the day of atonement.
As the news bombards us with the soul crushing treatment of humanity under the guise of religion, the cries of antisemitism, religious intolerance, racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, ableism, etc. remain deafening.
I am reminded daily, “it didn't start with gas chambers. It started with politicians dividing the people with us vs. them. It started with intolerance and hate speech and when people stopped caring, became desensitized and turned a blind eye.”
Found this passage from rabbi n siritsky that best resonates with how I am feeling this year.
“Ultimately, the goal of our approach to Yom Kippur is to transform "atonement" into "at-One-ment": how can we heal from the pain, hatred and violence of this world?
How can we reimagine Judaism so that it reflects our hopes for the future, not just the trauma from our past.
How can our intergeneration legacy of trauma be transformed into a healing empathy that inspires us to align with other marginalized and oppressed people so that, together, we can become a United Force for Love, Justice and Unity.”
I believe meaningful connection to our ancestors, ourselves, and each other is possible. But to obtain that connection, we must continue to challenge the parts of our stories that are archaic, idolistic, siloed, and harmful.
Having a hard time finding a place for myself, but I’m curious and experimenting. Whatever religious or a-religious practice is the gateway to your soul, I hope you are too.
I know the sounds of better are attainable. It’s just that the lyrics and melody are still unfamiliar.
Feeling, spiritual is a work in progress endeavor. I’m in, are you?
