I, too, found this thread a little late in the day - hopefully CL will return to it.

R”H - to start with an interesting bit of biblical trivia - is considered, amongst many other things, as the wedding anniversary date of Adam and Eve. While this may sound cute, but relatively devoid of significance, it is not. The relationship amongst spouses is generally viewed as the most intimate relationship a person can have. The precept of “Love thy neighbour as thyself” is interpreted by some Sages as applying first and foremost to one’s spouse (the Hebrew word “re’echa” should actually be translated as “the one close to you”, not “neighbour”). Which brings us from the world of biblical arcana to the core of the R”H holiday, as seen by Imp.

It is said, and agreed by most scholars, that the relationship between a person and Gd (defined as “bein adam le’makom” - between person and Heaven/Seat of the Divine) cannot be properly cultivated until relationships between people have been fixed (“bein adam le’chavero” - between a person and his friend/partner). In other words, a person cannot engage in proper piety towards Gd if he has not engaged in appropriate behaviour towards his fellow members of society; Gd is not interested in outward displays of religious fervour by people who neglect or abuse others. Since during R”H, all the way through Succot (the Feast of Tabernacles), we attempt to build and improve our relationship with Gd, the clear implication - to me - is that the rest of the year must be spent improving interpersonal relations. We cannot step before Gd, asking to approach the Heavenly Throne to beg forgiveness, if we are neglectful of our relationships with other people.

For me, the R”H is a time of internal dialogue, a sincere attempt to reconnect with the spiritual, and to look at the map to make sure I have not strayed too far from the road.

And brisket. LOTS of brisket.