#39 Rosh Hashanah at Shema

Essentially this was my last task on the list (because the final thing, #40 will coincide with the actual celebration of my 40th birthday). Honestly I can't think of a better way to to essentially end "The List".

I have wanted to go to the Messianic Temple here in Rochester, Shema Yisrael,(http://www.shemayisrael.org/) for services for a long while, but have been waiting for a special occasion and I thought what better than to go during "The holidays".

I really was not sure what to expect as I have never been to a Torah service before. Really, it was not that much different than a church service except some of the things were in Hebrew....which made it beautiful and rich. There was dancing and singing, the Shofar (a special trumpet) was blown... as Rosh Hasahanah is a time of celebration, it is the New Year. A day of shouting in Joy to the Lord, remembering the day of creation, remembering the Lord, remembering the past year--both good and bad.

The reason that God wanted me to celebrate Rosh Hashanah at Shema was for me to hear the message. You see, Rosh hashanah begins the Days of Awe, the 10 days between now and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). It is a time to remember our own unworthiness and His sacrifice. A time to soften our heart, uncover sin (even that which we don't even know that we have), awaken us from our slumber...... "God show Me the things that you want me to change" . Why do we need to atone for these sins despite that fact that Jesus already made the ultimate sacrifice for us? 1) our walk with the Lord will not go forward unless we grow 2) We wont bear fruit 3) We will reap what we sow.

He then focused a lot on bitterness and how it is a dangerous root causing trouble and contaminating many. The spirits that attach itself to bitterness are unforgiveness, resentment, retaliation, anger, wrath, hatred, and violence. How much of that is going around me all the time? How much of that might be in my own heart? What things might I be holding onto some bitterness about?........ BUT.....there is hope, there is ammunition. FORGIVENESS. When we forgive others, when we forgive ourselves this root can be thwarted and die.

This is something that the Days of Awe are for....this is something that God needed to remind me of. What are my hidden sins? What bitterness do I hide? To whom do I need to extend forgiveness?.....those are conversations between God and myself, but I encourage everyone to engage in those talks with our Father. Even if it is not during these "Days of Awe" or on the Day of Atonement. For there is freedom in forgiveness.

So as I begin this New Year, this new era (of being 40), I reflect on what has happened this past year and all the lessons that I have learned through both "The list" and just living my life, this year has changed my life in such a positive manner and I'm eternally grateful for the lessons that I have been taught.

L’shana Tova