Well, after making it through my first full Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the first Yom Tov days of Sukkot, I can honestly say that being Orthodox at this time of year is truly special. It also requires some sacrifice, but definitely for good reason. After having to reschedule two exams, skip multiple classes, race to make it to Indianapolis (a wonderful community!) in time for candle lighting, and more I can vouch for many people when I say that this time of the year is a little hectic. But I sit here now reflecting on the past few weeks, and I would not have done it any other way. For the first time I was actually able to take time for introspection, reflect on the past year, and decide on aspects of myself that I want to work on in the coming year. I feel I was able to truly repent and seek forgiveness from people and friends who I have wronged.
In addition, the month of El Ul, the month preceding the High Holy Days, is also a time to be especially G-d fearing, as this is the main time for din (judgement) during the year. This year, more than ever, I feel that I was really able, through learning and my summer spent at EYAHT, to really encapsulate a fear/awe of H-shem and truly realize that He is the Creator, and that my future really is based on how He will inscribe me in the Book of Good Life. I used to think that Yom Kippur was just some day where we fasted to symbolize repentance. I now know that it is MUCH more than that. It is a real thing that we are all being judged by H-shem, and based on our teshuva, we have the ability to alter how we will be judged by our Creator.
In other words, I am looking forward to celebrating all of these chagim next year... (b'ezrat H-shem) IN JERUSALEM! That was something that really hit me hard during the holidays. It was such a surreal feeling to think that in just a year's time, I will hopefully be living in Yerushalayim, and having the Israeli/EYAHT experience of these holidays. It will definitely be different, but I am beyond excited.
Coming up on the Mazal Tov section...another friend from Israel became a Kallah! And my two friends who became Kallahs while I was in Israel this summer are getting married in the next few weeks!!! In addition, my best, best friend is a Kallah! and her wedding is coming up soon too!! So many simchas and Mazal Tovs that I am so thankful that I can enjoy and be a part of. If anyone has any suggestions for styles of tznius bridesmaid gowns, I'm looking! This is really just a wonderful time of year that has helped me to grow so much, and I hope that we can all continue to grow and have many simchas and mazal tovs! Enjoy your Chol Hamoed with your families and friends!
