The Bible tells us that the seventh lunar month is a time for a holy convocation. It is ten days when mankind should reflect on our humanity, and rejoice for the spiritual blessings that we want for another year. Rosh Hashana is the beginning for these 10 days. This discussion looks at the symbols used for this celebration, and the spiritual theory about how we are blessed when we begin our endeavors with the right living principles.

Self-analysis can help us cleanse and purify our deeds, desires, and character. The 24th Psalm says that this cleansing will help us to open up the gates of the spiritual realm to more blessings in our life. Like an African proverb says, when you climb a good tree, others will help give you a push.

Although the parables of Jesus the Christ teach us to help the hungry, the sick, those imprisoned, and the less of humanity, the story of the ten virgins gives us a very different action in dealing with selfishness and foolishness. Our discussion talks about how we should rather give them instructions on how to help themselves, but not to reduce our resources for those who are selfish and foolish. This discussion also looks at the parable of the separation of the sheep and the goats.

We learn from the parables of Jesus the Christ that the blind should not lead the blind. Our discussion considers how to teach others without being judgmental. Attacking and condemning a student usually leads to rejection by both the teacher and the student. On the teacher’s side, the rejection becomes like a beam. From the standpoint of the student, the rejection becomes like a speck. It is better to teach through examples than through condemnation.

The Hebrew month called Elul is a time for introspection and taking stock of our lives. In the Bible, Jesus mentions being reconciled with others before going to the altar with your gift. This discussion looks at the harvest time (Elul means harvest) as a lesson for dealing with unintentional transgressions that have occurred, especially those that a result of our bad habits.

Before he joined the ancestors, John Lewis left a message to the world to actively, yet compassionately strive towards a beautiful community for all. Looking at the meaning of his name (John means the Lord is gracious and Lewis relates to victory) we can take his life as an icon for a more beautiful nation and life.