Confessing our communal sins for the New Year
As much as we need to hold ourselves accountable individually for our shortcomings, we also belong to groups that should, likewise, take a frank look at the values and actions they support. These groups — of which we are an integral part — include our communities, our congregations, and our nation.
Jewish tradition stresses responsibility for others, not just for one’s self. A foundational rabbinic teaching holds that kol Yisrael areivim zeh bazeh — all of Israel is responsible for one another. This illustrates that we are responsible for, support, and even carry one another as part of our national........
