SKIPPING STONES

This Monday at sundown marked the start of the Jewish New Year, known in Hebrew as Rosh Hashanah, commemorating the traditional beginning of the universe. Ten days follow, described collectively as the “Days of Awe”, ultimately leading to Yom Kippur, the holiest day of observance. It is on this day that people of the tradition receive forgiveness; a clean slate for the year to come. During this holy journey, many customs are reenacted, such as fasting, the blowing of the shofar, and eating apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year. However, this year I have been drawn to another aspect of Rosh Hashanah, a ceremony known as Tashlich, which occurs the first afternoon of the ten days. 

During Tashlich (Hebrew for “casting off”), the faithful gather near a body of water to throw stones or pieces of bread. In doing so, Jews are letting go of the sins in the year that was, giving them over to G-d. This ritual helps people of the tradition to name wrongdoings, along with determining to move forward to be blameless in the coming year. 

I am a strong advocate for these sorts of rituals, whereby people are called to physical movement to signify a deeper spiritual occurrence. The casting of an actual stone invites a transformational understanding of G-d’s grace and forgiveness, and empowers the person to be involved in this healing measure. In the Christian tradition, this action is mimicked through the Sacraments, outward and visible signs that point to inward and spiritual grace. 

It takes time, fortitude, and prioritizing to participate in Tashlich, gathering with others in the tradition to cast stones into the waters. And it takes true courage to name waywardness in life; to own faults that have been done, or left undone. Even more, it takes trust and faithfulness to believe that G-d receives our blunders, and wills us to be clean again. This ritual encourages deeper confession and participation in the mercies G-d offers humanity.

My children have recently discovered the joy of skipping rocks on the surface of water. Whenever we come upon a pond or lake or river or stream, they will search for the smoothest of stones to cast. Bending over to be closer to the ground, with force and determination, they side-arm rock after rock into the water. My unofficial role has been designated as the person who counts the skips (so far their record is 8). Incidentally, they have a ways to go, as 88 skips is the world record, according to Guinness. They have even developed dreams of competing in the annual Stone Skipping Tournament, held on July 4^th each year on Mackinac Island in Michigan. 

Thanks to Rosh Hashanah and Tashlich this year, I have begun to see this children’s game in a different light, as an encouragement to cast off my stones out way out into the waters. Perhaps I can do so with as much vigor and determination as my children, alongside the conviction of my Jewish friends.