The midrash that teaches, “before God created the world, God created teshuvah as a foundation for the world to stand upon.” Teshuvah is an important source of stability for our own lives. The world we create through our actions, our words and our presence is built upon teshuvah, the ability to create inward change, turn towards forgiveness, and return to kindness, mitzvot, and working to repair the world.
For Adin Steinsaltz “teshuvah is more than just repentance from sin; it is a spiritual reawakening, a desire to strengthen the connection between oneself and the sacred. All forms of teshuvah, however diverse and complex, have a common core: the belief that human beings have it in their power to effect inward change.”
As we approach the new year, I want to encourage us to think about teshuvah as a foundational cornerstone of our lives. Teshuvah can uplift our souls, lead to growth, and enhance our relationships with ourselves and those around us. Approaching teshuvah as a spiritual exercise leads to a life of balance, stability and strength.
To incorporate a daily teshuvah practice, find a quiet space that you feel comfortable in. Disconnect for just a few moments. Take a few deep cleansing breaths. When you are centered, ask yourself three questions. You can answer them verbally or in writing:
- What did I notice about myself today?
- What did I do today that aligned with my highest self? Where did I fall short?
- Do I need to seek forgiveness from myself or someone else?
Conclude the reflection with “Tomorrow I will…” and then, “I am grateful for the opportunity to turn inward so that I may live outwardly with greater intention and love.”
Reflect on the questions honestly and without judgment. A daily ritual like this helps us to find spiritual balance. Turning inward, being reflective and transforming our missteps into moments of growth can be a daily pursuit as we seek to live lives of meaning and purpose. Teshuvah is the act of returning to center, finding balance and strength in our relationship with ourselves, with the people we love, and with the Divine.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel taught, “the true meaning of existence is disclosed in moments of living in the presence of God.” These moments of reflection and return allow us to live more fully in that sacred presence. Every day we are presented with the opportunity to turn inward, to recalibrate, and invite moments of growth and connection.
I want to share this beautiful poem, written by Joanne Fink, as a meditation to prepare for the New Year.
Return
As we embark on a journey of teshuvah,
may reflection, introspection and soul-searching
help us discover our sacred purpose.
As we turn, return and repent,
may the cry for justice
kindle a flame of hope,
and a spark a fire of commitment
within each of our hearts.
May this sacred, spiritual journey
light the way to a future based on
equality, justice, hope and peace
and help us return to ourselves,
to our community and to our God.
May we enter this New Year with renewed purpose and the resolve to engage in the sacred work of teshuvah each day. May we begin the year with a strengthened foundational core and the power for inward change!
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Laila Haas
