Three weeks ago  we marked Rosh Hodesh Elul with the blowing of the Shofar.   This blast was a reminder that the season of repentance had begun, and that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were not far off.    The Shofar blast was also a call to repentance (teshuvah), reminding us that the holidays require real change, not just the superficialities that can be accomplished in one or two days.  As we approach Rosh Hashanah we should think about past mistakes and omissions, and consider how we can do better for ourselves, our families, our people and the world in the coming year.

This period of change and growth should not be only internal and personal.  Rather, it should be also be a time of tikkun, of repair.  Too often our mistakes separate us from family and community, building walls of hostility that are very difficult to break down.  Indeed, we have hurt those we loves, and in turn have been hurt by them.  This holiday season is a time to break down these walls, to effect tikkun for our families and community.

This tikkun requires our reaching out to repair the damage that we have done, and also to reach out in forgiveness for those who have hurt us.  Rosh Hashanah provides a yearly opportunity, if we are willing to grasp it, to rebuild the relationships that are so important and central to our existance.

Our tradition teaches that all creation, when understood correctly, all creation reflects the absolute unity of the Divine.  When we are seperated from our community and those we love this unity is fractured.  The holiday season is a time to restore this unity and to see God in everyone and everything that we meet.

On behalf of Shelley and myself, I want to wish everyone Shanah Tovah U'mitukah -- a sweet and happy new year.

Rabbi David A. Kunin

Just about a month ago I arrived here in Japan to begin my service as the JCJ's new rabbi.  The move to Tokyo has been quite momentous, as I don't think that there can be two more different communities than Edmonton and Tokyo.  Language, weather and culture mark only the beginnings of difference.  Yet, despite all the difference there also is comfort and familiarity as I join a vibrant and welcoming Jewish community.  

Of course, it is also strange coming alone to Japan, leaving Shelley and our family of pets in New York for the summer.  But I know that Shelley is excited about joining me here in Tokyo, and looks forward to becoming part of the community.

I want to thank everyone here for making me feel welcome.  Your hospitality and kind invitations have helped to make this transition much easier.  I look forward to meeting all you who have been away, having the wisdom to escape the heat, and to celebrating the High Holidays with you in the coming month.

I would also like to thank the leadership of the synagogue not only for giving Shelley and me this unique opportunity, but also for your help and advice as I settle into the community.

As we approach the holiday season both Shelley and I want to wish every one Shanah Tovah, u-mitukah -- a very good and sweet new year.

For those who are interested, in addition to Blog, which will focus on our community, I also have an additional blog entitled, "Lost in Translation, A North American Rabbi in Tokyo."  This is the url to the most recent post -
http://tokyorabbi.blogspot.jp/2013/08/there-is-app-for-everything.html