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Hoshana Rabbah...There's Still Time to Seal the Deal!
 We all think of the time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur as the 10 days where it all happens and our fate s sealed. This is indeed the case. However, the "signed and sealed" decision is put in an envelope, so to speak, on Yom Kippur, and it takes a few days to deliver to its final destination. Today is Hoshana Raba - the day the "Gates Close" - the delivery date - when each person's decree gets to its destination point. Hoshana Raba began last night at sundown and ends this evening at sundown.
According to Jewish tradition, one has until the end of Hoshana Raba to alter a judgment and receive the best decree possible.
Everyone has their own way of connecting with G-d. Last night, at 9:30 pm, when the kids were all in their rooms, I found myself pulling out the necessary ingredients to start the long process of baking challahs. Something about the rising, the kneading, the removal and burning of a piece of the unbaked challah (in memory of the contributions we made to the high priests in the time of the temple), the braiding, and the baking, allows me a venue for reflection and prayer.
If you have a moment today to reflect, take it. If you have a gnawing feeling that you didn't quite get to say all you wanted to say on Yom Kippur - to G-d, to a friend, a colleague, a peer, or your children, say it today. Take an active part in sealing your fate.
Chag Sameach,
Sharon Jacobson
Co-Founder-Eim Chai
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