September 19, 2025
Many years ago, on a trip to Chicago, our family took the elevator to the viewing level of Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). The 360-degree windows give breathtaking views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. One can even stand on an extended window protruding outside the structure with clear glass, making it seem as though you are standing on air. These views give us opportunities for moments of awe as we behold the city from such a height. Awe takes many forms; we find awe in the beauty of the world. We find awe in our emotions through sacred actions of others, through art, and music. During these High Holy Days, the music certainly gives me a sense of awe. Every so often, I find a hidden gem in the prayerbook inviting me to stop and think.
As an introduction to the Shofar service, Mishkan HaNefesh, our High Holy Day prayerbook reminds us that the sound of the shofar tekia, is one whole note, shevariam, is three broken notes, and teruah is nine broken notes. The prayerbook then invites us to see our own lives through the window of these shofar sounds. We are reminded that once we were whole and, through the wear and tear of living, we become broken and shattered. There is a nehemta, a comfort, that through the powerful process of teshuvah, self-reflection and repentance, we become whole again.
This season is an invitation for us to peer through the window of our souls and recognize that the journey of our lives is a winding path (not so dissimilar from Sheryl Crow’s song). We have moments when we feel whole – maybe it’s the joy of a family simcha, a promotion at work, going to a concert with friends, finishing a good book, learning something meaningful and more. However, we know that life’s journey can break us. We might receive challenging news about our health, lose a job, or face what seems like an insurmountable obstacle. Returning to wholeness can be incredibly challenging. Sometimes we need to take a view from the perspective of the windows atop the Willis Tower. That vantage point expands our view so we can see beyond what is directly in front of us.
I find it interesting that one Jewish tradition, according to the Talmud, says that a sanctuary should have windows. I often think the reason for this is that we recognize that there is no boundary between a space of prayer, Torah learning and the rest of the world. When we immerse ourselves in prayer and study, we remind ourselves that our tradition is meant to be carried out to the world around us. I love looking through the windows of our sanctuary, especially at this time of year. The leaves have begun to change and are even starting to fall from the trees. As I look through our clerestory windows, I feel as though I am one with the world. This is part of the experience that brings me to wholeness as I do the difficult work of teshuvah.
As you look through the windows on these High Holy Days, you may notice two broken windows on the north side of our sanctuary. We have been aware of these windows for several weeks. They were caused by errant shots from a BB gun from neighborhood kids who were taking target practice at a bag in their backyard.
Perhaps the shattered nature of the window reminds us of the sacred work we strive to do to find wholeness. Whether it is through prayer, learning, or action, the work of repair is much more difficult than what it takes to shatter us. Shattering comes in an instant; repair takes time and emerges from the delicate work of the hand and soul.
May this season be a season of tikkun – of healing and repair – as we think about our lives and the journey we need to take towards wholeness. On behalf of the entire Beth Tikvah staff, I want to wish everyone a shanah tovah, may the new year be filled with joy and sweetness for all of us. I do hope you will join us on Tuesday afternoon at our Open House so that we can greet the new year together with a sweet treat.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Rick Kellner