Resource Category: Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is a powerful and transformative holiday, from the inspirational and poetic prayers we recite to the powerful and incisive blast of the shofar. This experience, however, cannot be fully embraced in a safe and healthy way without preparation. We encourage you to take time to fully embrace and engage with your past in a healthy and honest way. It is only by building better selves that we can build a better world.

Tikkun Hanefesh as Tikkun Olam

Rosh Hashanah is a time to celebrate the end of one year and all of its accomplishments and the beginning of another year and all of its potential. For many, this involves resolutions of self-betterment and/or growth as well as a dedication to the pursuit of tikkun olam, improving the world. Before we can repair our world, however, we must begin to repair ourselves.
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Reading Between the Lines

Rosh Hashanah begins what is known as the “Ten Days of Repentance.'' This period, dedicated to reflection and self-improvement, begins the process of teshuva — correcting the mistakes of our past year as a new one begins. Take a moment to practice self-compassion through a simple activity.
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Mental Health Tashlich

Tashlich is a representation of expressing repentance, acceptance and forgiveness. We acknowledge any harm we have done, accept that we have harmed others and forgive ourselves with a commitment to move forward and do better. 
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The 12 Steps of Atonement Anonymous

The High Holidays are the holiest days of the Jewish calendar and consist of the Days of Awe, a ten-day period of reflection and repentance that begins on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, and ends on Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement.” Yet what is intended to be a period of transformation can be easily corrupted by uncontrolled self criticism, leading to destructive consequences on the practitioner's mental health. Thankfully, Judaism creates a foundation we can use as a springboard to take care of our mental well-being while undergoing this reflection. We invite you to explore these steps, executing them in any order you think best matches your personal needs and aspirations for the holiday season.
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