Fall has arrived—and this is no ordinary September. We are walking through a powerful gateway, one that closes out a nine-year cycle. In numerology, 9 represents completion, asking us to release the old—limiting beliefs, worn-out habits, and outdated attitudes—so we can make space for the new energy emerging this season.
It’s not always easy. Our collective shadow is rising to the surface: racism, discrimination, trauma, ignorance, and unchecked rage are alive and visible. And yet, alongside this darkness, light is growing stronger. Acts of kindness, genuine connections, deeper concern for the Earth, and practices that anchor us in love and awareness are flourishing like never before.
As an eternal optimist, I know real change takes time. Transformation requires each of us to stay committed—to live with more equality, peace, and justice. Start small. Focus on the rituals, practices, and connections that give you strength and restore your hope.
One of my favorite rituals at this time of year is Tashlich, (September 23) a symbolic releasing of our mistakes and burdens into the water. What I love about it is that it reminds us: when we take action to release, Spirit always meets us halfway.
Traditionally, small pieces of bread are tossed into moving water, each piece representing something we are ready to let go of. The bread nourishes the fish and birds, reminding us that even what we release can serve a purpose. We let go of the words, deeds, and actions that have harmed others or ourselves; the judgments and fears that keep us small; the resentment that hardens the heart.
Rabbi David Ingber calls it a “ritual of scrubbing the soul clean.”
Even if this is not part of your tradition, I invite you to try it this year. Here’s a simple way to begin:
Reflect on the past year and name what you are ready to release.
Take small pieces of bread and throw them into moving water. If that’s not available, use a bowl of water at home. Then place the bowl of water with the bread outside for the birds.
As you throw each piece, release something specific:
Pain from the past
Judgments that cloud your vision
Resentments and anger that keep your heart closed
The “shoulds” and “coulds” that limit your freedom
The need to compare yourself to others
Any fear, rage, or despair around the upcoming election
With each release, you open space for renewal.
"May your actions transform this world from a world of harshness to a world of compassion, from a world of ignorance to a world of enlightenment, from a world of death to a world of life renewed, and from a world where sin destroys us to a world where we destroy sin.”
—Prayer Un’taneh Tokef
With love & blessings,
Barbara