As the High Holiday begin, enter God’s house

There’s an old phrase, “May you live in interesting times.” The phrase is not a blessing. To this we can attest, for we are certainly living in interesting times. We are confronted daily with divided politics and social unrest.

We have been shocked by revelations of sexual harassment and assault by people we admired. We have been astounded by the number of indictments of politicos in both parties. Every day we read about war and the threat of new wars. Even our weather reports sound like high drama.

In years past, we could turn off the television and fold the newspaper to avoid some of the disturbing issues drifting around our lives. Now, with smartphones buzzing in our pockets to announce the latest news, the negatives of life are harder to ignore. In such a quick moving, complicated world, how does one create a sense of balance? … of grounding? … of inner peace?

A good way to start is by entering God’s house. Your local house of worship is a place where goodness, morality, family and community are promoted. It is a place where equality is endorsed because we have a Common Father.

In God’s house, it is our inner, spiritual world that is emphasized, over the material world. In God’s house the issues of the day find perspective amongst eternal issues. Perhaps that is why so many studies have reported that people who are involved in their house of worship have more friendships and longer lives. The Psalmist said, “Happy are they that sit in God’s house.” The advice is 3,000 years old and still holds true.
The Jewish High Holy Days begin Sunday at sundown, Sept. 9. It’s time to prepare for our futures. It is time to return to our best selves by returning to God. It’s time to regain our balance, recoup our strength and begin our next life-chapters.

Let the synagogue help you with your transformation. When life seems difficult, when you find yourself living in interesting times, remember that God’s house is there, offering you acceptance, spiritual strength, direction, perspective and joy. I wish you a happy and healthy New Year.

Graber is the spiritual leader of Temple Hillel in North Woodmere.