Atonement

My father was an atheist, born to Jewish parents. Despite my Jewish heritage, I cannot claim Judaism because my mother is not a Jew. I was not raised within the faith and I do not observe any of the holy days, with the exception of Passover.

Nevertheless, on the holy days, such as today, Yom Kippur, and particularly since my father died 8 years ago next month, I do reflect on their significance and how they do form a part of me.

My father may have been an atheist, and I am an agnostic, but he taught me what it means to be a good person. He taught me to do unto others as I would have done unto me and he taught me to take responsibility for my actions.

On this Day of Atonement, I reflect on this truth — on the fact that according to the Jewish faith, my father was not honoring his religion because he did not practice it and yet it is he who modeled for me how to be my best self.

On this Day of Atonement, I reflect on the fact that my non-observant, atheist father is the one who taught me to embody the ideals he and my mother instilled in me. He would always quote Charlie Brown — “I love humanity, it’s people I hate” — as a way to remind me that it is how I treat others and how I make others feel that is the true measure of who I am.

Today, as I aim to do always, but particularly today, I will take ownership of my words and my actions. I will take ownership of their impact on others.

I do this in honor of my father’s teachings and in honor of the long line of Jews from whom I descend.

G’mar Tov — May you be sealed in the Book of Life.