Teshuva

The whole point of the period from Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur is to
engage in teshuva. Usually translated as "repentance", teshuva really
means "turn" (or "return"). Repentance is just one part of the process.

Teshuva is tied up with the concept of sin, or het. Het is a term from
archery, and it literally means "missing the mark".

When you see that you have missed the mark, you must turn yourself so
that you aim can be true again. Teshuva is a five-step process: you
must confess the sin; if the sin was committed against another person
you must ask that person's forgiveness; you must cease to commit the
sin; you must regret the sin (and make restitution if possible); you
must resolve never to commit the sin again.

The mark of true teshuva is that you actually do change your behavior.
This is not ultimately about how you feel about your actions -- it is
about the actions themselves.

Rabbi Eliezer said: "Repent one day before your death." His disciples
asked him, "Does then one know on what day he will die?" "All the more
reason he should repent today, lest he die tomorrow" (Shabbat 153a).

SB Hort Society Plant Sale

Here are a few photos of the Hort Society sale:






You can see more here.

L'Shana Tova!

We had a lovely round challah for our Erev Rosh Ha'shanah dinner last night...




...and a delicious bottle of Ambullneo 2005 "Bulldog" Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley.




It was served with roast duck in a pinot noir/cherry reduction sauce, with (not pictured) baked stuffed acorn squash, sauteed Italian squash, and a peach cobbler. Hope you all are having a sweet new year!

Fog at the Harbor

A high tide and a dense fog shrouded the harbor in an air of mystery this morning. Here are a few photos. You can find more here.

Road to Nowhere

Well we know where were goin
But we dont know where weve been
And we know what were knowin
But we cant say what weve seen
And were not little children
And we know what we want
And the future is certain
Give us time to work it out

--Talking Heads

A Stroll Through the Botanic Garden

I took a brief walk through the Botanic Garden this morning. There were some turtles out:



I saw the "Maze" that has been erected. Frankly, I can't figure out what it is doing there or what it is supposed to be.



From the inside it looks like a cage...

Love Is a Rose

Love is a rose but you better not pick it
Only grows when it's on the vine
Handful of thorns and you'll know you've missed it
Lose your love when you say the word mine

-- Neil Young