OP ED

Op Ed

By State Senator Andrew Gounardes

According to Jewish tradition, G-d decrees each person’s fate on Rosh Hashanah. During the Ten Days of Repentance, the time between the High Holy Days, the decree can be changed through three actions: Repentance, prayer and charity.

The idea that ones’ fate is not set in stone and instead can be altered through true reflection and repentance is fundamentally hopeful. Instead of stating that an individual who does wrong is forever punished, Jewish tradition allows for growth, for change and the possibility of a better future. 

The idea of allowing people to repent for their sins has applications to many aspects of life, from the criminal justice system to public reputations in the age of the Internet. We can all learn something profound from the idea that forgiveness is indeed possible, but only with profound and deep personal reflection, action and growth. 

Indeed, it is fundamental to my philosophy as an elected official that we can build a better society through our prayers and our acts of kindness. When I started as a State Senator, I created a program called “3 for Community,” which asks community members to pledge to commit three acts of charity or service each week. Whether it’s donating time to a food kitchen or picking up litter on the street, no act of service is too large or too small. This allows people to contribute towards the creation of the kind of community they want to live in. Rather than accepting the world as it is, or our fate as it is, we set out to create the world for ourselves and our peers that we want.

The ability to build a better world with our actions ties into the Greek idea of philoxenia, the idea of “love of strangers,” which was a concept I was raised with. We give back and support one another simply because we share in the bonds of being human. Our acts of charity towards are what creates growth and change in our own lives.

Yom Kippur is also a deeply reflective and personal day. Atoning for sins and trespasses is what allows for forgiveness, connection and the possibility of change. 

In advance of Yom Kippur, I am wishing you an easy fast and a deeply meaningful celebration. I also thank you for providing this example of atonement, forgiveness and hope. G’mar Chatima Tovah.