OurJewishCommunity.org is an online Jewish community with a contemporary voice. On each of the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we posted a question for reflection. Members of our community shared beautiful responses, some of which are included here. Visit us at www.OurJewishCommunity.org.

1. High Holiday reflections from Our Jewish Community © 2010

2. 1.What do I wish I had done in the year just ended to help to improve our world and what to I hope to do in the upcoming year?

3. “…we tend to overlook that it takes people to effect change…I plan on donating…my time and my efforts to make a difference. It may not be global, but in my little corner of the world, it’s a start.” “Last year I should have taken better care of myself. I’m always so busy looking out for others, that I forget myself. I realize now that in order to help others, I first need to help myself. My goal for this year is to do better with this. One small step at a time.” “Last year I should have spoken less and listened more; inside myself and out in the world. This year I would like to be blessed with wisdom.”

4. 2. Have I acted in ways which I regret?

5. “I have found that direct, personal amends to an individual I have wronged will release me from regret of my actions. Guilt and shame of my past and fear of the future have caused me to miss out on my present.” “When I forget what lessons humility has taught me, when I become angry and impatient with other people…” “For me, one of the most meaningful parts of the new year is leaving the regrets behind and finding new opportunities to move forward. It’s very freeing.”

6. 3. When am I willing to accept the apologies of others?

7. “I will always accept a sincere apology. I assume that each person I encounter is doing the best they are able to do with what they know. If I did not give them that benefit of the doubt, I would only hinder my own walk. My definition of forgiveness is: I release the other person for the responsibility of how I feel. My happiness or anger is my own responsibility.” “I think much of this is context-related. What does the apology concern? I’m always willing to accept an apology, but sincerity and willingness to work at changing the behavior represents a very important aspect.”

8. 4. What challenges my strength to apologize to others when needed?

9. “Due to my Catholic background of Confession, I have no problems admitting when I am in the wrong… The Days of Atonement are like coming home as far as I’m concerned. What I love is that we go through the self-examination process in the heart of our Jewish community. When I was Catholic, it was a solitary process – much lonelier.” “I tend to refrain from apology and rather amend the wrong I have done…” “When I have used words carelessly and hurt someone through my failure to respect the power of words, I find that most difficult to cover with an apology. Wounding with words brings such a feeling of shame that an apology seems inadequate.”

10. 5. What will allow me to take a risk in the year ahead that I was unable in the year just ended?

11. “By realizing the blessings around me and the community of life, I think I will be able to take a risk next year, that I could not take the previous year.” “I know the biggest risk I need to take is to take the very first step out of my ‘comfort zone.’… I do feel a new confidence though, the kind of confidence that says ‘Yes, I am going to give it a try and I may have my doubts but I won’t let them stop me.’” “The greatest risk I take is opening my heart.”

12. 6. What are the conflicting priorities in my life and how can I navigate them?

13. “I think the conflicting priorities in my life fall into 3 basic categories: what I think I should be contributing in the world, what I want for myself that I think will bring happiness, and what I truly need for my well being. These priorities are usually in conflict in some way and I haven’t figured out how to balance things. I think, however, that if I really focus on what is essential for my well being, the rest might fall into place more smoothly.” “I can’t say I have a single method that allows me to navigate conflicts, but I don’t find the sometimes conflicting nature of life necessarily problematic as much as a way to recognize the fullness of life, that some might call God. Sometimes just accepting both sides of an apparent conflict can give me insight into my life…”

14. 7. How have I given expression to my values through the actions I have taken?

15. When we respond with random acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, and compassion, I believe we give expression to our values through action.” “One of my most central values is the belief that we as Jews (and as good humans) must work to extend the boundaries of justice and righteousness. I try to contribute to this effort through participation in civil liberties and civil rights support. Through word, deed, action, and finances, I try to help those who are oppressed by poverty and prejudice. ‘Injustice everywhere is a threat to justice everywhere – M.L. King” “I best express these values by ‘Walking the Walk, not Talking the Talk.’ It’s my actions that speak loudest.”

16. 8. What do I hope to get from the Jewish community in the coming year and what do I hopeto give to the Jewish communityin the coming year?

17. “The traditions of the holidays are reminders of this sense of assessment and commitment…. This reminds me of the greater importance of giving to my community rather than looking to get.” “I hope to be able to participate more in Jewish activities this year, both locally and globally in resources like this. I think that is two way, both gotten and given. I’d also like to give more to Jewish charities this year, since I was not as able last.” “Since my Jewish community is mostly on line, this Temple and my family and friends, I will say guidance on this Spiritual Journey that is my life. As for what I can give, that would be sharing all that I have been given so that I may keep it.”

18. 9. What will help me open my eyes to see things in new and different ways?

19. “I believe my willingness to keep my mind open, my curiosity, and my want to always keep learning will help me to see things in a different light. Curiosity leads me to learning and the learning itself adds to my experience…” “I am finally comfortable in my skin as both a Humanist and a Jew. To paraphrase William James, the slow shifting of philosophical perspective makes things appear as though they are from a different point of view. Being a Humanistic Jew is very freeing mentally. This gives me the ability to step outside the box… to color outside the lines so to speak and to appreciate people and situations from a different perspective.”

20. 10. As the year has ended and I look at myself in the mirror, what am I proud of?

21. “I am proud to be able to keep standing tall even as things keep getting worse. Proud of my sisters and hope this new year will bring happiness to everyone.” “I am proud that I have finally learned about forgiveness. I’m proud of my husband for sticking things out and maintaining his wonderful attitude. I am proud that I’ve let alcohol go as a solution and learned to stand on my feet when the going gets tough.”

22. We hope you enjoyed reading the reflections from members of our community. Please do not reproduce any of this content without the express written permission of the rabbis of OurJewishCommunity.org.