"At-one-[mo]ment"

Not withstanding the rabbinic and ancient traditions and teachings of the meaning and purpose behind Yom Kippur.  As I sit here in preparation for leaving work to go home and begin my observance of Yom Kippur, I can't stop thinking about a "throwaway" comment made earlier today that has me pondering: "At-One-Ment".


The literal definition of "Atonement" is the reconciliation or making up for one's sins.  It is the act of "trying to right the wrong"; and Yom Kippur is the Jewish day to observe this act of reconciliation.


However, what if we don't look at it as one full day?  What if we thought of it as the reconciliation of many "moments" that take place throughout the day.  This 25 hour fast, which we are about to embark upon, challenges us as we reach further into the later hours, to struggle and repress the pangs of thirst and hunger and stay sharp and focused until the concluding Neilah prayer service.  These very real attempts to move from moment to moment as we visually imagine the gates of heaven closing before our very presence makes the sands of time seem to be moving through the hourglass at an unusually painfully slow pace.

What if the message of Yom Kippur, our "Day of Atonement" comes down to these very slow-motioned seconds or literally "moments" of time.  Martin Buber philosophized about the "I-Though" relationship.  What if tonight and tomorrow are only the representation of every moment we have throughout the year?  Would we choose to live our lives the same way?  Would we appreciate these "moments" a little more?


Whatever you think, or however you chose to use your time, please remember, this year, as you get ever closer to the conclusion of this sacred day, consider all the ways you could have chosen, acted, behaved, considered, thought, listened, spoke, and/or imagined yourself differently and know that there's room for improvement in each of us.


May you enjoy all the blessings, wishes, and fruits of your desires, and need to ask for nothing more nor less; and may you be signed into the Book of Life for another year.


Gmar chatimah tovah!