Thanks to Andrea Roth, Lynchburg College Hillel advisor, our Spiritual Life Center now displays a Jewish Moses action figure next to our Jesus action figure, a laughing Buddha doll, and a figurine of St. Anne. I find it especially ironic that I am named for the patron saint of lost objects since I am forever misplacing keys, cell phone, wallet, etc.
These symbols grace the upstairs restroom of the Center for Spiritual Life. What better sacred space than the bathroom to house our special religious
objects?! These visual aids remind us to keep a light heart and a sense of humor even as we acknowledge our differences and learn from one another’s traditions.
In the coming days we are especially grateful to honor some of the high holy days observed by our sisters and brothers of the Jewish faith. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated this year from sundown on Sept. 4 to nightfall on Sept. 6. “The Essential Guide to Jewish Prayer and Practices” contains a quote by Andrea Lieber, PhD., which appears in the pull-quote box at left. How timely that this special holy day falls at the beginning of a new academic year, when each of us has the opportunity to learn from the Jewish community as we pause for own time of
reflection, celebration, and resolution.
· Reflection: Whether I am a student, faculty, or staff, what am I noticing about myself as I begin this new semester and what might there be for me learn from what I observe in myself? For me, this semester I have the privilege of working with Bonner Leader students, and I am keenly aware of how much energy and inspiration I receive every day by listening to their stories of service and hearing about their passion to make their corner of the world a better place.
· Celebration: How are all of us making time in our very busy, multi-tasking lives to celebrate the simple moments so that we are not so caught up in our work that we forget how to play? August was an especially busy month for me, so I reserved last Friday for a get-away day with my husband. We were just up the road in Nelson County but found time to hike, explore, drink hard cider, watch a play under the stars, and visit a crafts fair all in less than 24 hours!
· Resolution: As we begin this new semester, what commitment can we make to ensure that we make the most of the coming months, academically and
personally? Because I am not as spiritually disciplined as I would like to be, I now have an app on my phone that brings me a scripture reading, reflection, and prayer for each day, so I have no more excuses about failing to keep up with a daily time of devotion.
I am so grateful for the Jewish tradition of celebrating a New Year and I wish special blessings to all who celebrate this special time. “L’Shanah Tovah u’Metukah” (for a good and sweet year). In the spirit of this season, may all of us take time to reflect, to celebrate, and to resolve to make the most of the gift of the time that we are given.
Peace, Anne