As I reflect on the past two weeks of Elul, I can’t believe that we have now entered the period of the waning moon that will bring us to Rosh Hashanah in two weeks.
On my walk home today from the East River through Central Park, I meandered to pause at many of the plaques honoring and memorializing beloved friends and family. Who are/were these Souls? What was their life like? How are they remembered?
I thought about the recent death of my mother and how I am preparing a ritual for her unveiling in a couple of months. What memories have I captured through pictures and stories that I will share as we unfurl the cloth to reveal her name besides my father’s on their dual gravestone?
At this time of the year, we are beckoned to call forth memories and reflect on our relationships, our behaviors, our actions and our thoughts. We are also called to remember those who are no longer living on this Earth, but whose memories we hold dear. Jewish tradition has a practice of remembering our loved ones at special Yizkor (memorial) services four times a year.
At the Shul of New York, our tradition is to convene a Circle of Memories prior to the Yizkor service on Yom Kippur afternoon. This is a time to share the names and memories of loved ones who are no longer with us, yet remain in our hearts. As we prepare for the holidays, take a moment to think about your family members, friends, teachers, mentors, luminaries who have influenced you, guided you, offered you opportunities to be who you are today? Whose name and image do you hold in your heart? Perhaps you have a photo, trinket or anecdote you would like to offer in our circle that reminds you of their presence. Feel free to share these in our Circle of Memories.
In addition, it is customary to offer tzedakah in the name of those we remember.
This year, the Shul of New York is rolling out the Roll of Remembrance. This is an opportunity for you to share the names of your loved ones who are no longer with us. It is our intention to read the names you submit during our Yizkor service. Please consider taking a few moments to add the names of your loved ones whom you remember on the Shul’s Roll of Remembrance.
Zichronan livracha, May their memories always be for a blessing,
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