Endings and Beginnings by Rabbi Sandra Kviat

Tishri, and therefore Rosh Hashanah, is nearly here. Honey and apples, shofar, shana tovah cards, family meals. All the small things that remind us that the year is ending and a new one is about to begin. It is a time to stop and take stock, to reflect and repair. Here are two beautiful blessings/reflections/prayers to help us leave the old year behind and welcome the ability to change in the new one. They can be read at any time, but would form a beautiful part of an Erev Rosh Hashanah ceremony at home (p.445 in the green LJ machzor prayer book) or as part of a Sefardi-style Rosh Hashanah seder (see links below).

A meditation and blessing for the year that is ending

“We have come to the end of our journey over the twelve months of the Jewish year. Now that we have travelled through the entire year, it is time to start over - to say farewell to the year that has passed and to welcome the new year and its blessings.

May we be privileged to walk along the paths of time,
over and over, for many long years.
May the ancient garden paths be pleasant underfoot.

May we be wise and fortunate in tending the garden, deepening its roots.

May we know too how to find new routes to follow, responsibility and with unending love.
And may we be fortunate to have the words of this prayer come true in our lives:

May it be that we go out in peace and stride in peace, and see blessing in the works of our hands and find grace, favour and kindness in the eyes of God and our fellow human beings.

May it be that the years that await us be blessed and good years, free of envy and malice, and suffused with joy and laughter, good health of body and mind, creativity and growth, and love”.
(Dalia Marx, 'Afterword’ p.355,From Time to Time)

A prayer for the new year

“With the start of a new year, I give thanks for the ability to choose, to change things, to change and be changed.  Rosh Hashanah is a reminder of the marvellous gift we have been given - the ability to make a change. Along with the recognition that these are things that have happened that cannot be changed, we are reminded that much is still in our hands, subject to our choice”.
(Dalia Marx,p.3, From Time to Time)