Throw Away Sins
Ok, you whiner … here’s a story for the blog, if you think it’s suitable … note: I have to go back 15 years to think of a good story …
But it comes to my mind each year at this time, when Rosh Hashanah begins. As you know, we are not Jewish (not anything really), but when young son was 3 or 4, and his friends were celebrating, he was asking many questions. Which, like the fool that I am, I tried to answer. On the lovely September Saturday when Rosh Hashanah began, we were taking a family walk along Crane’s Beach. Because of all the questions, I was telling Chris a few of the stories and traditions surrounding this “new year” holiday … including the tradition of Tashlich. This lovely custom, I told him, involves taking bits of bread and throwing them into a river or ocean to symbolize throwing away one’s sins … which led to a very short explanation of “what is a sin”! Yikes, I was in too deep now – but the best I could do was to say that a sin is something that you do that you feel really bad about, that you know is wrong.
Young son was quiet for awhile, then as we watched the ocean waves, he started running around gathering shells… creating a pile.
Very serious.Â
“What are you doing,honey?”
“I have to throw these in the water” (he starts furiously throwing shell after shell, into the waves.)
“Why do you have to do this?”
“I have to throw away my sins.”
(I admit, I start to laugh) “Honey, you could not possibly have any sins …”
“YES I DO” (more furious throwing).
“What do you think is a sin?”
“When I get mad at you and think bad thoughts…..”
oh….. he collects more shells …
Dear BirdBrain, this is funny and precious. It must have been quite unencumbering for him to toss those shells into the sea! I love the idea of throwing bread bits symbolizing sin into the sea. I would probably need several loaves at this point. And how much the seagulls must love Rosh Hashannah. I’ve not heard of this tradition before.
Comment by La Rad — September 23, 2006 @ 12:04 pm
That’s pretty amazing. What did you say then?
Comment by Jennifer — September 23, 2006 @ 4:12 pm
God bless the very young and guileless … !
Great story, thanks! And happy Rosh Hashanah, whether Jewish or not. Everyone should have a good “Day of Awe”, and the world could do with a bit more remembering and seeking forgiveness, too …
Comment by adam — September 23, 2006 @ 4:19 pm
Great story! Kids are so sweet. I think I’ll continue that tradition in our family. One needs to let go of old guilts. What a nice way to forgive yourself.
Comment by Jen — September 24, 2006 @ 9:05 am
To answer “what did I say then”…. I honestly, can not remember saying anything – just trying very hard NOT to laugh (since he was SO serious!)…. and, of course, photos will show that I started to throw my own shells/sins into the water….. after all, I must have had quite a lot to give my young son so many “bad thoughts”!
Comment by BirdBrain — September 24, 2006 @ 5:25 pm
On those long-lost, but much-remembered sunny days when I skimmed a stone or two on a lake or stream, I’d like to think some sins were forgiven me. Especially after the last skips of the good, multi-bounce tosses.
Comment by rakkity — September 25, 2006 @ 10:55 am