As we enter Parashat Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:1–30), we also find ourselves deep in the Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah—the Ten Days of Awe, a sacred time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These are days of reflection, recalibration, and return; days when we open our hearts, seek forgiveness, and strive to realign ourselves with the Divine.

This Shabbat is also Shabbat Shuva, the “Shabbat of Return,” named for the opening words of the Haftarah from Hosea: Shuva Yisrael, ad Adonai Elohecha—“Return, O Israel, to the Eternal your God.” Shabbat Shuva calls us back to our deepest selves, and reminds us that Teshuvah—return—can bring us healing, forgiveness, and renewal.

This week’s Torah portion reminds us of God’s abiding presence, even in moments of fear or uncertainty: “Do not fear, and do not be dismayed. God will be with you.” Deuteronomy 31:8.

I’m honored to share this spread from my forthcoming book Journey Towards the Light, which includes my Torah illumination for Vayelech and the prayer, You Are Not Alone.

You Are Not Alone

During the darkest days of your life,
may you tap into the spark of hope,
nestled deep in your heart,
and remember that
it’s okay to be
perfectly imperfect
and that you are enough
just the way you are.

Hold on. Hold on. Hold on.
Keep believing.
Keep searching.
Keep hoping.
You are NOT alone.

A Gift for You

I’ve added new High Holy Day resources to ZenScribe, including this G’mar Chatima Tova illustration you can customize and share with congregants, family and friends.

Please note: the *free ZenScribe trial ends at Yom Kippur—but if you sign up before then, you’ll still receive 30 free days of full access (no credit card required). *You can pick any plan– and I recommend choosing the Deluxe Community Plan, since it gives you the maximum number of designs. With it, you’ll be able to personalize lifecycle certificates for upcoming B’nai Mitzvah and baby naming ceremonies, and customize prayers and Visual Tefillah slides, such as the responsive reading below.

May I Find Forgiveness

A Responsive Reading for Yom Kippur: May I Find Forgiveness

Leader: For the times I did not honor my intention to care for our planet and help repair our world,
Community: May I forgive myself, and may I find forgiveness.

Leader: For the times I did not honor my intention to listen without judgment and give without expectation,
Community: May I forgive myself, and may I find forgiveness.

Leader: For the times I did not honor my intention to be patient, compassionate, and kind,
Community: May I forgive myself, and may I find forgiveness.

Leader: For the times I did not honor my intention to respond rather than react,
Community: May I forgive myself, and may I find forgiveness.

Leader: For the times I did not honor my intention to stand in my truth and allow others to stand in theirs,
Community: May I forgive myself, and may I find forgiveness.

Leader: For the times I did not honor my intention to do what is right, rather than what is easy,
Community: May I forgive myself, and may I find forgiveness.

Leader: For the times I did not honor my intention to work toward justice, equality, and peace,
Community: May I forgive myself, and may I find forgiveness.

Leader: For all these times,
Community: May we forgive ourselves, and may we find forgiveness.

Guided Journaling Questions for Vayelech

How do you hold onto hope in the face of uncertainty?
What fears are you carrying right now, and how might you hand them over to the Divine?
What are you hoping for in the year ahead, and what do you plan to do to nurture those hopes?
During these Ten Days of Awe, where do you most long for healing, forgiveness, or reconnection?
When have you felt God’s presence most strongly in your life?

Closing Blessing

May these days of awe guide you toward wholeness.
May you find courage to face what is hard,
hope to carry you through uncertainty,
and love to sustain you on your journey.

G’mar Chatima Tova—may you be sealed for blessing, for light, and for life.