Media preparations for the first anniversary, the first yartzeit, of the attacks of last September 11 disturb me. Like gawkers who come across a traffic accident, we are being told to stare and stare at images already seared in memory a year ago. Our pain may be real, but it will lessen when we stop looking and begin to focus instead on the task of mending the world.

Rabbi Allison Bergman-Vann of Temple Beth-El in San Antonio, Texas responded to this year’s psalm for Rosh Hashanah with a request: “Would you consider writing a psalm on Selichot?” Sometimes all it takes is for someone to ask.

Next week, the yearly cycle begins again. After nearly twelve months of uncertainty, it requires great faith to start anew. Our trepidation can be soothed by a certainty of God’s presence. May this be a year of peace for all the world. L’Shanah Tovah.

Sometimes we reach a place when we realize we are stuck, discontent. So it is for a young friend of mine, capable at her high tech job, a true and loyal friend and colleague, a generous spirit who finds herself longing for a way to express all her capabilities. She edges ever closer to fulfillment.

My brother, Dave and my friend, Laura will be taking their oldest children, daughters, to college in two weeks. These first-time college parents are trying to balance the delight and the heart squeeze of separation. Seven years ago, I was that first-timer, waiting and wishing.

All too soon, the time of preparation finds me stuck, idling in procrastination, long-term projects still in the planning stages. But it is Elul. In twenty-nine days, the New Year will be here. Time to get ready. Again.

E.G. started studies in Visual Communications at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles last month. Her assignments are tapping new talents and inclinations; she is on a fast learning curve in a competitive program, and she’s entranced, absorbed. What a pleasure to see my child discovering her life’s work.

Something in the air of Beth Emet The Free Synagogue must have inspired our young people. A goodly number have gone on to rabbinic or Jewish communal or educational studies. Our friend, Jordy, leaves this weekend for the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College to begin the five-year course of studies leading to ordination as rabbi.

Tisha B’Av can be problematic. We recall with pain and sorrow the destruction of the First and Second Temples and all the other catastrophes said to have occurred on that day. On the other hand, we have our own State and the remains of the Temple are in our possession. On the other hand, we are still counting the calamities, the latest occurring - again - on Tisha B’Av: two homicide bombers who struck last night in Tel Aviv.

Twelve weeks after his heart attack and surgery, Reid is graduating from cardiac rehab and has been back to work full-time for a month and a half. He’s eating right, exercising, communicating. We are in a good place and I feel very lucky.