Sister Story 2

Another time during Sarah’s nursery school career at the JCC she came home wanting to teach us all what she had learned about Yom Kippur. As we sat at dinner, Sarah explained to us that Yom Kippur was a very solemn holiday when everyone was supposed to say something they had done that they were sorry for and ask God’s forgiveness. She insisted that we do that right then and asked Peter to start. Peter obliged her and we proceeded around the table. Sarah was next, then me and last, but not least, Emma.

When we got to Emma, she steadfastly refused to participate. She locked her lips, folded her arms across her chest and shook her head no. She didn’t explain why she didn’t want to do it but I have a couple of guesses. First and foremost, admitting wrongs was not high on Emma’s list of fun things to do. I think it would be fair to say that none of us like to admit to our shortcomings, but Emma avoided it more than most. And then there was the indisputable fact that we were not Jewish. I imagine she felt that because of this technicality, she was under no obligation to participate in this most uncomfortable tradition. Yom Kippur was definitely not Emma’s idea of a holiday!

Sarah was positively incensed by Emma’s refusal to participate. “Emma, you have to do it,” she demanded. But Emma was not persuaded. Sarah seemed about to blow her stack, so I intervened with a compromise that I thought might keep the peace. “How about if Emma says what she’s sorry for to herself?” I suggested. “It can be between her and God.” Sarah did not buy my compromise. “No, you have to say it out loud,” Sarah insisted. “ Emma, say it, don’t pray it!”