Kol Nidrei is an
enigma wrapped in mystery, the strangest prayer ever to capture the religious
imagination. Rabbi
Jonathan Sacks, Koren Sacks Yom Kippur Mahzor
Although "Each Jewish generation gave Kol Nidrei a
different meaning and significance." (Rabbi Stuart Weinberg Gershon), it
is actually every Jewish community and individual gives Kol Nidrei a meaning
that meets their personal and communal needs. As Jews we are experts in
deriving meaning from unlikely texts (Kol Nidrei itself), unsubstantiated
"historical" theories (the Converso [Marrano] origin of KN) and even
typographical errors (reading Iberians for Avaryanim-sinners in the
introductory passage).
Kol Nidrei might signify the beginning of a 25-hour court
room drama in which we re-evaluate our lives, or it might form a bubble in time
to help us re-start our journey in the new year or it might focus us on the
need to take our words seriously or _____________________ (fill in the blank).
Gmat Hatima Tova
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