The Adams Street Shul

Have you ever been driving to an unfamiliar destination, only to find yourself woefully lost?  I must admit that this is a state in which I constantly find myself.  When I finally admit that I must seek directions, I will fish out my cell phone and usually call my wife.  If I am lucky and get her on the phone, I tell her where I want to go and ask how to best get there.

Her inevitable inquiry is sure to follow:

“Where are you?”

Now that is certainly a reasonable question.  How can I possibly be told to proceed if my present whereabouts are unknown?

I believe that this is the critical point of the Holy Season which we are presently observing.  We all want to progress to a better and more fulfilling life.  We have hopes and dreams for the future.  But the reality states that we will find those goals very difficult to reach if we don’t assess where we are at this moment.

It is not easy, but a true and realistic assessment of our spiritual and personal status (cheshbon hanefesh) is what we are called upon to achieve.  When Adam and Eve thought they could hide from Hashem in the Garden of Eden, they heard the Divine Voice call to them:

“Where are you?”

Obviously, G-d was not seeking that information.  He wanted them to confess and then go on to a better future.

Each and every one of us should be listening for that voice now as we examine our thoughts and deeds with a view to strengthening the good ones and correcting the others.

That is the true meaning of Teshuvah (repentance), and that is the great opportunity we all have at this time.

A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CONGREGANTS AND FRIENDS!”

{mos_sb_discuss:5}