The 2016 Election, The Trump Tapes And Perhaps, Finally A Change For The Better

In light of the leaking of the tapes this weekend, perhaps a change for the better is on the horizon.

The language in the video is not new. Women have been viewed as mindless, brainless, soul less sexual objects since the beginning of time. The Republican Party (especially the male politicians) in recent years has not been shy about their repellent and antiquated views on women-centric topics (i.e. abortion, rape and sexual assault).

Only time will tell who takes the oath of office next year. I can only hope that the leak of the Trump tapes will open the door to an honest discussion of very difficult topics and the steps we need to take to ensure that these conversations are no longer needed.

I’m still with her and you should be too.

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The Beauty And Emotional Freedom Of Tashlich

Between the holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Jews are asked to examine their deeds from the past year, both good and bad and atone for the sins from the year that has just passed. The ritual for atoning for your sins is called Tashlich.

Jews atone for their sins by going to an open body of water, praying and throwing out bits of bread. The bread is the physical symbol of the sins that we committed during the past year.

The beauty and emotional freedom of Tashlich comes from the throwing away the sins. It is as if the weight of those sins have been lifted from our shoulders and we can start again. Tashlich for me, is the most personal of the High Holidays. It is as if G-d is our therapist and we are opening up about what we did wrong during the past year. It is a one on one conversation with the heavenly creator that is not the easiest conversation to have, but it must be done.

The beauty of my religion and the relationship with my heavenly parent is that it is implicitly understood that human beings are imperfect and will make mistakes. But we can also forgive each other, receive forgiveness from G-d and start fresh.

No one wants to be burdened with their sins for the rest of their days. Just as every day is an opportunity to make a fresh start, Tashlich allows Jews to begin again in the new year.

Have a nice Sunday and may we all have the opportunity to start again.