A quick post just before Yom Kippur eve. I’ve been asked what I’m doing for Yom Kippur this year. I know some were hoping I would lead a service of some kind. This year I am doing a solitary observance of the holiday. For the past couple of years, I have attended services at Capital Kehillah and Fabrangen. Both were nice, but neither was home.
For the curious, here is my plan for this year:
Kol Nidrei
I have both the Hebrew and English translation to read and study. I also have several audio versions including the phenomenal one by the Western Wind Ensemble.
Yom Kippur Day
I am planning to break the day in three segments. Replacing meals will be a little physical movement. Part of the meditations all day will be devoted to the name I inscribed at Rosh Hashanah. The names people inscribed were not their name, but rather a name by which they’d like to be known. One that symbolizes who they wish to be, what they want the world to be, how they’d like to be recorded in the Book of Life.
Morning
I’ll start the day with either my usual Yoga program or an extended one I’ve been meaning to try. The rest of the morning will be spent in prayer and meditation and reading the Torah passages.
Afternoon
A short meditative walk around the neighborhood, followed by meditation and reading “Man’s Search for God” by Abraham Heschel. Part of my meditation will involve the use of a singing bowl that I recently received as a gift. I also plan to do at least part of it outside in my circle space. Some of what I want to explore is a new ideas been rolling around in my mind which is “internal elemental personalities.” More on this later.
Evening
Another walk or more Yoga, followed by a little creative spiritual exploration. I know many interpret “complete rest” as “no creating,” but for me the creative endeavor is a spiritual one and there will be no personal profit in the end. I will be decorating journals that I plan to give as gifts at the holidays this year or donate to a charity auction. The theme of each will be based on my morning meditations and other inspiration from the day. The last piece of the day will be sealing the name I inscribed at Rosh Hashanah.
Breaking of Fast
I’m hoping my wonderful husband brings home Chinese food! Prior to breaking my fast, I plan on spending some time writing out my experiences of the day.
A good Yom Tov to all. May you all be inscribed in the book of life for another year. May this year be a prosperous and happy one for you and for all people. Shabbat Shalom. Good Yom Tov.
Next year may we celebrate in a world at peace.
