A Tone Mint...

...is neither about music nor candy. Discuss....

Seriously, though, this is a somber time for Jews (I mean, who would get excited and celebrate the New Year as a happy event?). Yom Kippur is the holiest non-weekly event of the year for Jews, a time for reflection and renewal. The central theme of the holiday is forgiveness:

"If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that's why you're worshiped." (Psalm 130, 3-4, The Message)

This holiday does wonders for releasing humans from their obligations to God, and in fact opens with a prayer to that effect. I can't resist, however, reminding readers that just as almost every rabbi says on this holiday, Yom Kippur does NOT atone for those sins made against another human until the other party has granted forgiveness.

Likewise, while God may be eternally forgiving, that doesn't give anyone the excuse to act badly. God forgives those that are repentant, welcomes everyone into grace, and loves every single human, but be sure that your heart is open to receive those gifts.

So please spend this holiday season opening your hearts to God and your fellow humans as we all strive to make this a better world.