From the Rabbi

   I have always been fascinated by the Yom Kippur Torah readings. They revolve around what was known as the Avodah Service. Essentially, the Cohen Gadol or high priest would undertake a mission that only he could provide. He would dress all in white, very simply with no ornamentation, and he would enter the Holy of Holies or”Kodesh HaKodasheem.” This room contained the Aaron Kodesh, the holy Ark of the covenant that contained the broken tablets given to Moses by God.

   This room was so powerful and special that no one was allowed in, ever. They literally designed brooms that were so long that a non-high priest could sweep from outside of the room. The Ark itself had long rods that could be picked up from outside of the room and then moved by Levites when it was time for the sanctuary in the desert to move. The Cohen would then chant the 72 letter name of God in a voice that all the people could hear.

  I think the whole point is that the people sensing the importance of this moment would truly be moved to sincerely ask for forgiveness and vow to do better the following year. That is what Kol Nidre is all about. It begins that day of Awe, the day where we punish our bodies by not eating or drinking to remind us, let’s try to do better.

  May we all pray for a better year for all of us. a year with no war, where we can go back to the beaches of Tel Aviv for fun, not to make food for soldiers.

Shana Tova, G’mar Tov.