It’s Rosh Hashanah. For my non-Jewish friends that means that it’s New Years. Yep. Jewish New Year is in september. It’s a lunar calendar thing. Anyway, during Rosh Hashanah up until Yom Kippur, we ask forgiveness and apologize to those who we may have wronged.

While I was at CHL we did morning meetings. In the juniors we mostly focused on bullying. In one meeting, we wrote letters to people we have bullied. When my co (Hey Joy!) told me that I was confused. Write a letter to someone I bullied? My 7am brain couldn’t think of anyone. Then she said, “you could write a letter to yourself.” Oh shoot. I do bully myself. Quite a bit actually. So I wrote my letter. As we wrapped up, everyone was given a chance to share their letters. And a lot of kids did. It was a really important lesson for both the kids and myself.

So in the spirit of Rosh Hashanah, here is the letter I wrote on that day:

Dear Leah,

I am sorry I bully you almost everyday. There is simply no need for that. Pointing out your flaws is not necessary because they aren’t something you can change. I am sorry for being hard on you when you’re feeling low and just adding to the problem. I’m sorry for not helping you when you needed it and just shoved your problems to the side when you needed it most. I am sorry for not letting you feel your feelings and not being honest about those feelings. I’m sorry for the physical pain and denying you the things you may have needed most. This is all to say that I will try and do better. I’m excited to move on.

With Love,

Leah

P.s. Drink more water

The piece of paper this is written on is going to live in my clipboard as a reminder for myself during the year. I will continue to be kinder to myself and right the wrongs I may have committed. 

Happy 5782. May we all start to forgive ourselves.