It’s just after noon on Erev Yom Kippur and nothing seems right. I keep thinking: how will we make this Yom Kippur meaningful without all of the rituals, both communal and personal, that we have developed over our observances of Yom Kippur?
Nothing will be the same.
Yet somehow, we will have to find the way to make this unique Yom Kippur one of unique meaning. Maybe the “differences” of the day will help us focus even more deeply on Teshuva. Maybe the jarring experience of Yom Kippur “at home” will help us to consider our priorities in life more deeply.
I hope that happens.
But, one way or the other, as with so many other aspects of 2020, we should not be ashamed to admit that “it isn’t the same”.
I hope that Yom Kippur will make us appreciate even more deeply the meaning of ritual in our lives and not take for granted the structures we have all built to help us navigate not only Yom Kippur but the world at large. God wiling, we will, in time, return to those structures we have built, wiser and more appreciative. With wishes for a meaningful, “different” day, and a good, sweet and healthy year for all.
Your thoughts are extremely helpful in dealing with this very different holiday. Wishing you and your family a sweet and healthy year.
I wonder if we will adjust to these virtual circumstances and in the end let the prayers bring us back to the historical continuity of our other Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services.