My Words of Tshuvah

The Ausblick
Fall, 2005
By Donna Spiegelman

The Days of Awe come once more. The past year is reviewed, the book for next year is written and sealed.
 
In these Days, we, the descendants of Abraham and Sarah, ask for a year of attainment and success, peace and security, plenty and delight. We ask forgiveness for violence, oppressing others, callousness, obstinacy, and evading responsibility.
We can achieve none of this if we forget the fact that God promised to
make the descendants of Abraham and Hagar a great nation too.
 
As for individuals, so it is for nation-states. We, the people of Israel,  must reflect on what the year's book will say about the State of Israel.
 
My devout hope is that 5765 will have seen an initial successful move toward real peace: the orderly relocation of Jews from the Gaza Strip, their places taken by Palestinians.
 
For 5766,  I hope for more comprehensive and peaceful relocations, from the West Bank, until there exist two nation-states living side by side in harmony, sharing resources and prosperity.
 
The State of Israel's constructive role in this process will truly make it a light unto the world.