Time to Reflect
This year was my first Yom Kippur since completing my conversion, which made it especially meaningful for me. I took some of the time to reflect on my journey into Judaism as well as to focus on repentance during the community prayers. The Kol Nidrei service was solemn and reflective. I always find the mood continues when I return home from the service, although I did go to bed quite early — fasting is easier when you’re asleep!
I always enjoy being with the community for Yom Kippur, as it really enhances the feeling of collective repentance and of all being in it together. It feels better to ask forgiveness as a community, not just as individuals. This year we took a break with a short walk in the field park opposite the Community Centre. Although it was overcast, it was a fairly mild day. I always enjoy the feeling of being in nature, but I found it especially meaningful to connect whilst fasting and focusing on teshuvah.
This Year’s Service
The day was sadly marred by the news of the terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue, which left two men dead and several others injured. I know the community will join me in praying for those affected, as well as for the wider British Jewish community, and in hoping that both the physical and psychological wounds are quickly healed.
During our own service, we looked at the story of Jonah and used it as a springboard for speaking about our feelings on the Israel–Gaza conflict. Rather than having a discussion or debate, we broke into small groups of three or four. Each person was given about a minute, guided by Rabbi Anna, to share a statement of their feelings, followed by a pause before the next person spoke. There was no reaction or response allowed; we each just said our piece. We went round a few times, so everyone had about three chances to speak. Afterwards, when we came back together as a larger group, it was agreed that the exercise had been a helpful and meaningful way to express our feelings without fear of judgement or the risk of causing arguments — an understanding approach to a topic that involves a lot of high emotion.
Breaking the Fast
Our online concluding service and breaking of the fast was a lovely way of coming back together as a community after having time to process the emotions of earlier in the day. Disappointingly, Zoom again blocked out the shofar sound, but I think we all appreciated Rabbi Anna’s effort — and Cleo the dog definitely heard it, so we know it made a noise!
Despite this year’s Yom Kippur being tainted by the Manchester attack, it was again a beautiful and meaningful day of service. I hope that the sense of renewal can be carried forward throughout 5786, and that this year will be better for all Jews, not just those of us in the UK. – Jennifer