DAYS OF AWE
The ten days from Rosh Hashanah (Yom Truah) to Yom Kippur are known are the Yamim Noraim or Days of Awe.
This is a time for some soul searching and to consider how we can make better choices in the year to come. In particular those choices which will allow us to walk more closely with God and to live the life he invites us to.
Whilst the Days of Awe are a distinctly Jewish practice, we invite you to consider how you can learn from this and how this season can be an opportunity for personal reflection, repentance and commitment to live better. The goal is not to become “Jewish’” (unless of course you have Jewish heritage), but to seek God during this season.
IDEAS FOR YOU DURING THE DAYS OF AWE
Read and Reflect:
The following passages may be read over this season. They are an opportunity to reflect on God, the nature of faith, and the invitation to reflect on your life with God.
Read Numbers 29: 1-6
Read 1 Samuel 1:1 – 2:10
Read Psalm 24.
Read Genesis 22: 1-14
Take time to Reflect
Spend some time asking yourself the following questions (consider journalling).
How is my walk with God at the moment?
What would I like to change?
What is going well that I would like to keep the same?
Who have a wronged or hurt that I need to be reconciled with?
Who do I need to forgive?
What new thing could I do to deepen my walk with God?
Tashlich
Participate in Tashlich.
This is a Jewish tradition where you go to a body of flowing water, perhaps a river or the ocean, and empty your pockets of lint and crumbs into the water. Tashlich literally means “to cast” and this action is symbolic of casting off your past sins or misdeeds. As you do this, it is traditional to read Micah 7: 18-19. An alternative to emptying your pockets might be a take some bread crumbs and cast them into the water. As you do, consider and confess any sins or misdeeds which have crept into your life over the last year and hand them over to God.
Memorise Scripture
In Christ we have have the hope that ours sins are forgiven.
Memorise 1 John 1: 9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Prepare for a Sweet Year Ahead
One of the traditions around this time of year is to eat foods which are sweet. It is reminder to look back on the goodness of God over the last year and look forward to a sweet year ahead with God.
Some traditional practices would be dipping sliced apple into honey or enjoying some honey cake. Why not try some and spend some time in prayer for the year ahead.
Bless someone
It is normal for Jews to engage in charity at this time of year. Blessing another who is in need is a righteous act and a natural express of devotion to God who has so lavishly blessed us.
During this season, why not engage in an act of charity and bless someone in need.
