Dear GatherDC + GatherNoVA friends,
It seems like every year when the High Holidays come around, I want to address both the specific state of the world we find ourselves in and the universally personal themes of the Jewish New Year like repair, forgiveness, and starting anew.
As I sit here writing this message, I don’t exactly know what to hone in on. There’s SO much! And, it’s true – everyone needs something different, so I should try to hit on all those messages at once. But I don’t want to do that this year.
The team at GatherDC and myself have connected with so many of you lately, either for coffees, education experiences, or on social media, that we know as a whole, we’re really in need of a renewed focus on our own belonging, fulfillment, and healing first, while experiencing true momentum toward these efforts.
Of course, we can’t and won’t ignore all of the current events that are essential to our communal and personal wellbeing, but if we get back to the basics of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, maybe, just maybe, we can regain our step and go back out into the wider world on more steady ground, with renewed inspiration, joy, and purpose.
As poet Mary Oliver wrote in her beloved poem, Wild Geese, “the world offers itself to your imagination.” Together, let’s try to open ourselves back up to receiving the inspiration we know is both out there and within.
This is what we at Gather aim to help bring about at the start of 5783. We hope you’ll join us and the wider Jewish DMV for a restorative and purposeful High Holiday season.
Shanah Tovah U’metukah!
Wishing you a good and sweet New Year,
Rabbi Ilana
Our High Holiday Guide is a convenient and comprehensive resource to everything going on in the Jewish DMV to kick off 5783–virtually and IRL. This guide also includes ideas for how to incorporate DIY rituals, reflection, and recipes into your holidays in case you simply want to stay home and plan your own small gathering with your friends!
Annnnddddd, if you’re completely overwhelmed by our High Holiday Guide, unsure of where to go, or want to meet a friend to go to something with, reach out to the GatherDC team! We’re here to help you craft a personally fulfilling holiday experience.
