Yom Kippur - 5775

For all of my Jewish readers; myself included; this evening marks the beginning of our holiest day in the year, Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. On this day, many Jews the world over, will be fasting until sundown tomorrow in an effort to cleanse ourselves of any sins we have committed in the past year. That’s the part where we apologize to God for any offenses we may have committed against Him.

But Yom Kippur is also about making amends with the individuals you may have offended, and this must be done directly, not through God. Traditionally, after you have asked forgiveness of the offended party 3 times, you are released from your obligation, and the sin of “unforgiveness” then falls upon the one who was originally aggrieved; as they would seem to lack the ability to forgive. 

It is a most interesting concept, and not as easily accomplished as one would think. The perception of just who was responsible for the affront is subjective at best, making this one of the most difficult of the Commandments to fulfill, as it involves pride.

The painting above is called “Jews Praying in the Synagogue on Yom Kippur” and was painted in 1878 by artist Maurycy Gottlieb. To all my readers, regardless of faith, may we come together in the year ahead. The alternative to not doing so is almost unthinkable.

Spring Has Sprung

Well, spring has officially sprung once again, and most of the nation will be glad to see it arrive! The past winter was unpredictable and fraught with strange and dangerous weather, which we will all be glad to see gone. Here in the Charlotte area we were lucky, with only one light dusting of snow last month. The rest of the state didn't do quite as well, with some flooding and wind damage, but nothing when compared to the storm related damages elsewhere.

As you can see, we have completely re-done our backyard, extending the patio and adding a couple of fountains and a reflecting pool. We even had a few sculptures placed in order to give it a more unique flavor. Once everything begins blooming, it should be even more beautiful.

Actually, that is Stowe Botanical Gardens on Gaston County, about 40 minutes from our house. I was thinking of posting this for April Fool’s Day, but changed my mind. The gardens were spectacular, though spring was still three days away from making its arrival when I took this photo last Sunday.

Spring is a time of renewal. Everything that left for the winter comes back again. And the cycle starts all over. For me, there is a strange comfort in that; knowing that the end of one season marks the beginning of the next; somehow that makes it easier to wade through the winter months, “waiting for the sun.” 

Spring - An Annual Renewal

Spring is back, with a vengeance! Pollen coats our cars every morning, trees are blooming and the whole cycle of renewal is taking shape right before us.

It's easy to overlook, but important to be cognizant of, this important time of the year. I took this photo while driving around Huntersville today. The beauty of the scene was, to me, symbolic of this cycle. The trees are blooming, as they have for decades, or longer, over the graves of the departed. I have always taken comfort from the idea that somehow the tree gets to absorb the deceased, believing that to be the way to true immortality for us.

I don't know what this year will be like, no predictions. Just a deep conviction that this cycle will keep on turning long after we have passed. And that's a big weight off my shoulders.