What a week!

It's been a whirlwind the last two weeks. The week of the 19th I had to go to Florida for a few days to help out my parents. Between going to financial institutions for them and a flight that arrived back into BWI after midnight - it took me several days just to feel like myself again.
This has been a good week. A lot of people just dropped into to talk. Most people don't come to the rabbi anymore to have access to a compassionate ear. This was a week filled with people just needed someone to hear them out ... and help them sort through their thoughts and feelings. Maybe it's the approach of the High Holidays. Although no one talked about this, we want our relationships to be right. That's what the liturgy is focused on during the Days of Awe. Without even being aware many people are doing the real work of the season... to heal and re-energize their relationships with associates, loved ones and friends. I always feel alive and sense a holiness in hearing people's passion, fears and hopes - it's what makes us human along with faith, to be able to cope with all that life has to offer.
I feel almost ready for Selichot late tomorrow night and when I finish my second Rosh Hashanah sermon on Sunday, I'll be ready for the first round of the High Holidays.
Shabbat shalom and Shana tova..