Shabbat Shoftim 2024
“Perhaps, in a way, one could say that the difference between being nice and being kind is that ‘nice’ might be more about lip service. But kind also means being willing to be open to criticism, being willing to give criticism, accept criticism, to trying to move our places, to this idea that getting better because other people have helped us with that, or we’re helping ourselves, or we’re helping someone else.
“That’s a gift. That feedback is a gift. When someone gives it to us, that when we have a moment of clarity for ourselves, that whether internally from that little jury or the universe, that in itself is a gift.
“Moving into this period, I want to encourage us to think about centering kindness: kindness for ourselves, kindness for the people around us. And to remind ourselves that kindness doesn’t mean you just say something nice. Sometimes it means saying the thing that’s not nice, or listening to the thing that’s not nice. Because, ultimately, it’s much kinder to receive and to give clear communication. It leads to better relationships, deeper forms of understanding.” —Senior Rabbi Jason Klein
At Kabbalat Shabbat services, Senior Rabbi Jason Klein looked at the practice of cheshbon hanefesh, or self-accounting, during the month of Elul that leads up to the High Holidays. Rabbi Klein underscored the deliberative nature of this process, likening it to a jury’s deliberation, advocating for a balance between self-criticism and kindness. He shared how this tied in with the upcoming Kol Nidre, which releases individuals from vows and encourages a focus on kindness and clear communication in self-reflection and relationships.
Rabbi Jason Klein delivered this drashah at Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, September 6, 2024 / 4 Elul 5784.
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