Hurricane and Yom Kippur

The State of Florida encountered an unwelcome and rude guest this week. Milton showed up and created quite a mess, with much chaos in large parts of the state. Milton, of course, showed up during the busy time of the Ten Days of Repentance on the Jewish calendar. There is never a good time to have a major storm or hurricane. That being said, during the season known as the High Holidays, it seems like an extra burden. Upon further reflection, it appears that Milton barging into Florida seems entirely consistent with the season's theme. As we prepare for Yom Kippur, the air has a certain heaviness. Our tradition teaches us that on Rosh Hashanah, everyone is inscribed to the Book of Life for the coming year, and Yom Kippur is the time that the judgment is sealed. Until the end of Yom Kippur, a person can reverse an unfavorable judgment with heartfelt prayer, repentance, and giving of charity. This year in particular, as our homeland is facing an unprecedented seven-front war, the High Holidays season is much more intense. As we get ready for Yom Kippur, we know that there are tens of thousands (or more) of IDF soldiers fighting an existential war in hostile territory. There are many hostages trapped in unbearable conditions in Gaza, and hardly a day goes by when the news doesn't appear worse than the previous day. To say there is a lot riding on the final judgment of Yom Kippur this year would be a massive understatement. With all this in the background, Milton arrived with a gusto. The Jacksonville area was fortunately spared from the brunt of the storm, and we are grateful to G-d for that. That doesn't take away from the feelings of vulnerability that everyone felt before the storm. The feeling of vulnerability can lead many to fear. As I mentioned on Rosh Hashanah, the blessing of being vulnerable allows us to connect more meaningfully to G-d. The daily liturgy has a passage from Tehilim/Psalms which states רוח סערה עושה דברו. (Translation: stormy winds fulfilling His word.) The visit of Milton should cause us to reflect on our vulnerability. We would do well to utilize that vulnerability to connect in meaningful prayer to G-d this Yom Kippur. Wishing you a Meaningful Yom Kippur, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch