Visiting the Cemetery Before Rosh Hashana

There is a custom to visit the cemetery prior to Rosh Hashana, which begins this coming Monday night.  

• The cemetery is a place where we are reminded of the interim nature of our existence on earth. 
• The cemetery reminds us of the sacrifices our ancestors made for us, to inspire us to sacrifice for the next generation.  
  
• The cemetery brings a visual to the words, "who will live and who will die" (and if you walk through Mount Richmond Cemetery or Silver Lake Cemetery, it is also a reminder of "who will be enriched and who will be poorer.")
  

The High Holidays are an opportunity to cleanse the sins of the past so we can grow in the future.  Going to the cemetery is only one element of the process. 

It is my hope that everyone takes advantage of this special period of the year and that everyone's prayers are well received.