Join Rabbi Sheila Weinberg in this series of short podcasts in preparation for the High Holy Days.
“Achat Sha’alti me’eit Adonai, otah avakeish; shivti b’veit Adonai kol y’mei chayai, lachazot b’noam Adonai ulvakeir b’heichalo. One thing I ask of Adonai, for this do I yearn: to dwell in the house of Adonai all the days of my life, to see the goodness of Adonai and to visit God’s sanctuary.”
“One thing I ask of Adonai only that do I seek.” Imagine if you could ask one thing of Adonai; imagine if reality, life, all the powers and resources in existence could grant you one thing, and one thing only. Open your mind to the endless possibilities that could be incorporated into this singular ask. Would you ask for something? Some person? Health? Wealth? Power? Qualities of heart and mind? Intelligence? Courage? Patience? Honor?
Psalm 27 is recited from Elul through Sukkot – it is a time of asking and seeking, a time to get clear – what do I really want? What am I honestly looking for? The High Holy Days are a personal time – it is about each person – the universal human condition. What am I asking for? The Psalmist answered like this – ‘to live in the house of Adonai all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of Adonai, and to frequent God’s temple.’ What do you seek? What are you asking for?
