The challenge of Rosh Hashanah is twofold. On the one hand we are to honestly examine our own failings. And on the other hand, we are commanded to be more forgiving of other people’s failings. Every person is a gem. We just have to become better connoisseurs.

This is our task: to make the old new again, to feel as if each recitation of every prayer is the first time we are offering it. Lest routine set our ways! Every morning is a new day. But only if we truly make it so.

If we always see ourselves as victims, if we are always intent on righting the wrongs of past injustices, our hearts will be incapable of bringing healing to others. We will be unable to see the good that is also present, albeit sometimes hidden, in the people standing before us.

Disagreements are kept at the borders of the city but not within. The community is kept whole, and differences, are kept at the outskirts. Only justice is allowed to enter through our gates.

Sunday is the first day of the month of Elul. It marks the beginning of the High Holiday period, a time of introspection that culminates in Yom Kippur. We are meant to tally our errors. We are not meant to look at the standings.

Judaism believes forgetfulness is terrifying. This is because when we forget we have a tendency to look away from the purpose of our remembrance. We remember our pain so that we might alleviate the suffering of others.