Chronicle poll results: Most meaningful aspect of the High Holidays
We asked our readers what aspect of the High Holidays they find most meaningful. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “What aspect of the High Holidays do you find most meaningful?” Of the 179 people who responded, 38% said prayer and reflection; 30% said time with family; 19% said community connection; 11% said food and festive meals; and 2% said taschlich or other symbolic rituals. Comments were submitted by 29 people. A few follow.
The food, festivals and community connection are important, as well as spending time with family. The symbolic rituals have their place as well as a key components of tradition. But it is important to not forget that we must reflect on our sins of the past year, make amends, and reflect on how to improve in the new year, not just as individuals but as a community. We are responsible for each other’s actions and are indeed our brothers’ (and sisters’) keepers. Even in times in which we are persecuted (which is always, basically), we are still capable of great harm. And we must not forget that.Hearing the shofar is on the top of my list.
An opportunity to reflect on both negative interactions and experiences with others and the time to attempt to heal those open wounds. A time to reflect on how we missed our moral goals and work on directional corrections for the future. In both cases, by establishing real workable resolutions we operate to make the new year more pleasant, productive and filled with greater success and joy for ourselves, our families and our society.
What a wonderful opportunity to seek atonement for what we have done wrong in the past year.
Always family first but also a chance to be forgiven, forgive and reset.
Apples and honey for a sweet new year!
All of the above are important to me. I’m proud to pass on family traditions of gathering together with friends, family and community to come together, pray, engage in rituals and eat special foods. It’s very special to see how my 24-year-old values these traditions.
On Yom Kippur, we are called upon to apologize for any deeds that have caused harm (however justified they may have seemed at the time). Every culture would benefit from including this tradition of reconciliation.
Family time is as meaningful as prayer and reflection.
For me it is a time of deep spirituality and I love hearing the traditional prayers. I look forward to attending services at Chabad. It reminds me of my childhood growing up in New York.
All of the above. PJC
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