Remember us for life, King who delights in life. And write us in the Book of Life, for Your sake, God of life. People have said odd things about Jews, that we seek power or success or wealth or fame. Truth is that in the hour of truth, on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Jews only ever asked God for one thing. Life.
“Choose life,” said Moses. “Sanctify life,” says the Torah. Celebrate life, says Kohelet. When we make a brachah, Judaism teaches us gratitude for life. When we keep Shabbat we learn to appreciate the blessings of life. When we give tzedakah or do an act of chessed or give hospitality to those who’d otherwise be alone, we enhance other people’s life.
And if there is one thing I’ve noticed about Jews, it’s their appetite for life, their passion for life. Judaism is a sustained discipline in the art of life. And that’s where we find God: in the joy, the wonder, the miracle and mystery of life. God: in the year to come, please bless our life so that we can make a blessing of our life. Write us in the Book of Life.
Shanah Tovah.
