Machzor – Michzur: Goals for a full Return
מחזור
Without vowels, the Hebrew word above can be read as “Machzor,” the prayer book used for the Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, or “Michzur,” the modern day word for Recycle. The shared root means return, or cycle back.
Delving into the Hebrew more, we learn that another translation for our root word is “to repent.”
These next days, as we cycle back to the start of a New Year, we seek to look inside ourselves, acknowledge that which we want to bring into the New Year and that which we hope to leave behind. We repent; we pinpoint traits that can be improved; we examine our place in this world and how to make it a better place. For many, we join our community at services and use the words of the Machzor to guide us through this challenge of renewal.
The High Holidays are an invaluable time to reflect, repent and renew. It is important, as Jen suggested last week, to use this time of reflection to think about ways to make this upcoming year both sweet and sustainable. We can Think now, Act later.
As this new year begins, let us be inspired by the words of the Machzor to be constantly aware of our opportunities to Michzur. With our metals, glass and paper, with our clothes, toys and cell phones, with our words, emotions and giving, let us seek out the opportunities to recycle and renew the wonders of this world.
Shana tova – may this year be a year of renewal, awareness and meaningful action.
