As a psychotherapist, I can tell you that it’s not unusual for the creator of the universe to come up in sessions around the High Holidays. This time of year, God puts a lot of pressure on Jews everywhere—even those who don’t believe in him. Few will ever come upon a burning bush, but whispers, hints, or even simple thoughts about God will often arise during the Days of Awe between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
It’s no wonder. The customs and obligations of the season—from visiting the graves of ancestors, to confessing, to asking forgiveness—“force” you to consider life from the angle of unified, tribal purpose. Our forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob began a special relationship with God thousands of years ago, and we remain entwined with him and with each other, especially during this season of prayer and repentance.
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