Al chet sheh-chatanu l’fanecha…
For the sin we have sinned before you…
There are 10 days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. During these 10 days we are asked to take an inventory of the ways we have missed the mark (sinned) this past year. Each day I will offer an excerpts from the High Holy Day liturgy of the Al Chet, the ancient litany of confession that we share as a community during worship.
Each day, take a moment to reflect that day’s affirmation. Write for yourself and/or discuss with a friend/partner and/or as a family the ways you have missed the mark, your commitment to change your pattern of behavior, and a gentle and compassionate way to support each other while holding each other to our word.
Begin and conclude the exercise with a prayer:
For all the times when we did something, we said something, or thought something that was hurtful to ourselves or to someone else, God of Forgiveness, please forgive us.
_____________________
עַל חֵטְא שֶׁחָטָֽאנוּ לְפָנֶֽיךָ בִּפְלִילוּתAl chet sheh-chatanu l’fanecha bi-f’lilut. ..
For the sin we have sinned before You in judging others and ourselves unfairly.
Writing/discussion prompts:
I find myself acting in judgmental ways when…
I will work to keep an open mind and give others the benefit of the doubt by…
You will gently support me when I forget by…