Yom Kippur 5774: Yom Kippur on Shabbat - time for the "Third Metric"

Every few years (the algorithms of the Hebrew calendar are beyond me), Yom Kippur and Shabbat coincide, as is the case this year.  It's an interesting contrast of themes and dynamics:  Shabbat is supposed to be a day of עונג/oneg/delight.  On Shabbat we are supposed to enjoy the best food of the week, wear the best clothes of the week, sing and relax and, yes, pray with our community.  Yom Kippur is supposed to be a day of עינוי/inu'i/self-affliction.  On Yom Kippur we are supposed to fast, to wear white (the traditional color of mourning), reflect, look past physical pleasures and, yes, pray with our community.

These seem to be mutually exclusive.  So how do we understand this potent day of Shabbat and Yom Kippur together?

I found some inspiration from Ariana Huffington, the editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post.  Ms. Huffington is developing an initiative, The Third Metric, which aims to redefine success beyond the first two metrics of money and power to include well-being, wisdom, our ability to wonder and to give back.

Huffington said she personally uses mindfulness and meditation to help achieve those goals.
"Silence is an amazing way to recharge ourselves," she said.
Making time to incorporate this third measure of success can not only change your life, but transform the workplace, Huffington said, by helping people become more creative, productive and connected.
"Olympic athletes get naps. When performance really matters, taking care of yourself is key," she said.

In a speech to more than 800 women at the Women Of Influence luncheon that included Twitter Canada CEO Kirstine Stewart, Huffington stressed that the "hurry-up culture" is not working, and that the whole concept of multitasking is a myth. (Huffington Post, 9/11/13)


On Yom Kippur, the day of the year during which we are given the opportunity to take stock of our priorities, review our relationships with our families and friends and community and God, we should take God as our role model.  God, ultimately, has "rochmones"/mercy on us when we approach life with integrity and good intention.  Why shouldn't we be as kind to ourselves and those we love?  


The underlying thread of the delight of Shabbat flowing under the challenges of Yom Kippur are the best of that Third Metric of Ms. Huffington's.  Breath. Let go of that "hurry-up culture." On this ultimate Day of Awe, give yourself permission to feel that awe.

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