This is the Day: Rabbi Yael's Teaching for the New Year

The psalmist calls out:

zeh hayom asah Yah.

This is the day the Mystery has made let us rejoice and be grateful.

(Psalm118:24)

We stand on the edge of a new year—ready to cross the threshold into what will be. 

The tradition invites us to step forward with love and with joy—to know there will be challenges and blessings, times of sorrow and celebration.

And from this mysterious unfolding of time, the psalmist sings:

This is your life right now.

This is it.

Turn and be present.

Turn toward joy.

Turn and give thanks.

Turn and love.

We stand on the edge of the New Year with each other and all creation. 

May we recognize the Divine light within ourselves.

May we see the beauty and the majesty in each person.

And may we feel wonder and awe as we gaze upon creation.

Zeh hayom—this is the moment right now—this moment is the gift of our life.

May we embrace every opportunity to celebrate.

And may we call each other forward to shine our lights for joy and blessing.

Shana tova — A good and sweet year.

As 5773 begins, we will be posting teachings to guide us into Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Look for them on the A Way In blog, and on Facebook and Twitter.

We look forward to our continued journey together.

Much love, Rabbi Yael

May this new year open our eyes and hearts.

None of us know what this year will bring.