Three easy steps to being a better person
Guidance about how to be a better person and a better Jew in the New Year
First some professional updates!
Hello from the mountains! Rachel and I are running Camp Neshama this weekend for a large group of Jewish singles in their 20s and 30s from all over California and beyond. The retreat, sponsored by the Alevy Family, was cancelled in 2020, and we are grateful to have a fully vaccinated group for this retreat.
Over in Illinois, our Shabbat Tent team has set up a real oasis of chill for the Summer Camp Music Festival. Every Shabbat Tent requires divine providence. This time at a new fest we wondered how it would manifest. Well, the team were able to set-up on the main path across from a stage where thousands of people will be able to visit. Thank you to David and Stephie Schwartz for sponsoring this Shabbat Tent in memory of their friend Geoffory Zelcer.
I just recorded a class on spiritual practice called The Big Picture, which is full of wisdom from the Sfas Emes from this week's Torah portion. Subscribe if you like it.
If you are in LA, please join us for inspiring, friendly and joyous outdoor High Holiday services! Services will be in an outdoor shul we are creating in a walled backyard garden. Space is limited. Will be lovely, inspiring and delicious.
Our Kesher Institute is presenting another program with eminent psychologist Leonard Carr about Romance and Renewal for those looking to for a new path in love in 5782.
If you are able, please give tzedakah to those in need and to support our organization with a Jewish year-end gift. I am collecting now for a guitarist who needs an operation on his hands so he can make a living.
Shabbat Shalom / Good Shabbos and May you be written and inspired in the Book of Life for a healthy and blessed New Year!
Rabbi Yonah
Many great teachers offer guidance about how to be a better person and a better Jew in the New Year. Here's a three step guide I put together from my teachers for Elul, and our preparation for Rosh Hashanah.
Three easy steps to being a better person
1. Remember that we all were given special gifts to share with the world and our loved ones. Get back on track by making a list of all the things you are really good at. And make a resolution to to all those things this coming year, and do them all 1% better!
2. Remember that we cannot overcome the challenges we face — spiritual, emotional, physical, financial, relational — alone. Pray everyday and ask for help from God in all these challenges.
3. Remember that we were put on this planet to give to others, not take. Give tzedakah now, and every opportunity until Yom Kippur. You will never become poor by giving to others — you will become rich!
I hope this helps - feel free to tell others!