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September 2004

Alisha Goodman, LMSW

Ki Tetzei

The Torah portion we studied this week was Ki Tetzei. Rabbi Stephanie Dickstein, LMSW, led this week’s study as we examined the portion and talked about tshuvah. Tshuvah, often translated as "repentance", can mean so much more. As I engage in tshuvah at this time of year, I usually use this time to closely examine my actions towards others and towards G-d throughout the year. Am I exploring my spirituality and my relationship with G-d in the best way that I can? Am I behaving toward my friends and loved ones as I should? Am I treating even the stranger on the street with the utmost respect?

With this sometimes intense self-exploration, this time of year can be difficult. Permanent change is challenging. Also, I struggle each year with the issue of confronting those actions of mine toward others that I regret. Do I simply change my behavior or do I approach the people I may have hurt or offended?

Several issues in today’s Torah study will help me as I renew my yearly engagement process with tshuvah. For example, we examined the opening line of the parsha. One possible translation is "When you go out for war against your enemy". This passage, in the context of tshuvah, reminds us that tshuvah is a battle! For me, a comforting thought as I remember that this process is not supposed to be easy. The sentence continues, "[A]nd the Lord your G-d delivers them into your power and you take some of them captive..." (JPS translation). Now we realize something else wonderful about tshuvah — G-d is waiting for us on the other side! While tshuvah is a difficult, we can be confident that G-d is accompanying us in the journey.

We also discussed tools for tshuvah. Until now, I had counted on prayer and introspection as my only possibilities. I was therefore especially interested to hear suggestions from others in the group, such as meditation, walking and journaling or letter writing.

As I walk through the month of Elul and approach the High Holidays, I am prepared with a rejuvenated attitude and some new tools to begin the New Year — and look forward to this more intense period of introspection.

Shanah Tovah U’Metukah.

These "Spirituality Notes" are excerpts from our monthly E-newsletter. Articles are © JBFCS Rita J. Kaplan Jewish Connections Programs and may be reprinted free of charge as long as this credit line is included.

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