Yom Kippur: Stone Meditation

Note: The stones that congregants added to the bowl at the conclusion of this ritual were taken to Florence, where they were released into a stream prior to the Circles in the Sand event. unfortunately, I did not get video of this offering back to the earth. 

 I invite everyone, whether in person or joining us through Zoom, to feel the weight of the stone in your hands. Let your fingers explore its surface, tracing the lines and contours, allowing its presence to anchor you in this moment. For our Zoom participants, if you don’t have a stone, simply imagine one in your hand, visualizing its qualities as you connect to this experience.

Now, settle into a position that feels right for your body, feeling the sturdy ground beneath you. Allow yourself to arrive fully in this space, letting the cacophony of the outside world fade away, as if the sounds are being absorbed into the earth itself, leaving only the whispers of the moment.

As we stand at this threshold, we embark on a journey of atonement and renewal, much like the Israelites on their path through the wilderness. Picture the ground beneath you, rich with the stories of those who have walked before us, the roots of ancient trees intertwining, the soil alive with the energy of transformation that connects us all. 

Hold your stone close, and as you do, consider what you wish to release in this new year. Is there a behavior that no longer serves you? A heavy thought that weighs on your mind? An unresolved action that lingers in your heart? Visualize these burdens as palpable energies, taking form and resting within your stone. 

As you inhale deeply, feel this earth energy rising through your legs, into your torso, and spreading out to your fingertips. Picture the things you wish to embrace, qualities like courage, compassion, and resilience. With every exhale, imagine letting go of what no longer serves you: self-doubt, old patterns, and any weight that hinders your journey forward.

As you hold your stone, let it remind you of the deep roots that connect us to one another and to the earth. Allow the energy of transformation to envelop you, urging you to take meaningful steps toward nurturing this interconnectedness. In doing so, we become agents of change, weaving our unique story into the broader narrative of healing and hope.

When you feel ready, rise from your space, feeling the energy of the earth beneath you, and approach the bowl of soil at the front. Picture the soil, rich and inviting, as you prepare to drop your stone within. As it touches the surface, take a deep breath and feel the weight lift from your shoulders. Envision the earth embracing your stone, absorbing your burdens, cleansing and renewing.

As we witness this collective release, let it serve as a reminder that we are not alone on our journeys. Feel the pulse of life coursing through the ground, reminding us of our connection to one another and to this sacred space.

Welcome, beloved community! My name is Ember, and I use they/them pronouns, and today I am (visual description) On this Yom Kippur holiday, I want us to reflect on the Jewish holy days, one of the most important times in the Jewish calendar. The Jewish holy days include Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future. Then comes Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which is about asking for forgiveness and making things right with ourselves, others, and the world. It is a time for fasting, prayer, and deep reflection.

We gather in the spirit of liberation, inspired by the story in Exodus 12:29–36, where the Israelites are freed from slavery in Egypt. This story reminds us that true freedom is built together, through shared sacrifice and resilience. As we do the work of atonement for ourselves and our communities, we create a future grounded in compassion and understanding. Today, our wilderness is the struggle against injustice, and like the Israelites, we must move through it together, knowing that the freedom of one is linked to the freedom of all. Let us stand against hatred and work for justice, living in the spirit of liberation and creating a world where transformation moves us forward. Let us worship together!