Posted on October 25, 2024 by Rabbi David Katz
At the conclusion of Yom Kippur we hammered a nail into a two by four. The Central Conference of American Rabbis encourages all Reform Jews to do this even before the break fast as a way to express eagerness to celebrate the next holiday coming up – Sukkot. Though this dramatic and delightful ritual, which is based on a tradition hundreds of years old never quite caught on, it still carries an important message. Our obligations as Reform Jews go well beyond praying during the holidays; what is most important is follow-up.
Follow-up is the key to success in most every endeavor in life. When the teacher says to herself, “I must keep an eye on that child to see that he is doing well,” the success of both the teacher and the child depends on whether or not there is follow-up. When the business person says, “I see that sales are down in that area, I must check that out with the staff,” the success of the business will depend on whether or not there is attention given to that area of sales. When the mother notes that her daughter is depressed, then has a heart to heart talk and realizes that her daughter’s problem stems from her ongoing concern about her best friend’s slide into drug use, without the proper follow-up, a life might be lost. In all these circumstances, the key to success is follow-up.
And it is no different in the religious sphere. After Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, after the holidays are over, it is very important that we follow up on all the promises we made to ourselves and to God. Did we intend to draw closer to our children? Did we say to ourselves, “I really should come to the Temple to study this year?” Did we feel a spiritual renewal then promise to attend services more often? Did we vow to support the Temple by donating as much time as we can? The key to the success of all of these objectives is follow-up. In the religious realm carrying out one’s goals is essential to progressing to a higher moral and spiritual state.
Really, what good is it to make an appearance on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur if we don’t follow through on the promises we have made? Is there something so magical about these holidays that our attendance, in and of itself, is enough to fulfill our commitments as Jews?
This year let us be honest with ourselves about the promises we have made. Let’s resolve to keep all our pledges… regarding our family, our friends and our commitment to Jewish life. Let us continue to travel the path we have set, striving toward the best vision of our best selves.
Follow-up. That is the key to success.
L’shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Katz