Image by Jacqueline Nicholls

By Amichai Lau-Lavie September 1, 2017

I am a sum of my ancestors, combined DNA and cherished beliefs of generations. Bloodline. What of the sins of the fathers upon their sons? What of ancestral wisdoms to continue and which to discard?

In this annual re-configuration of who I am and what can I do better I wonder: What of my inherited ancestral truths do I still believe in and cherish? Which tribal codes no longer measure up to the ideals of who I am and what I believe in? On this second Sabbath of Elul I pause to take an honest stock of ancestry. I light two sabbath candles – to honor two ancestors: One whose generous teaching I value, and one whose ideology I completely reject, with respect.

What one crumb of helpful ancestral wisdom or at least family recipe for Shabbat dinner do I pluck for this journey to a new year?

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