Some common synonyms of courage are mettle, resolution, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean “mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship,” courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty. 

Courage when focused can help us to have triumph over our fears. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”- Nelson Mandela

In Jewish traditions, the 10 days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur are known as the “Days of Awe” . This period is part of the Jewish High Holidays, a time of profound introspection, repair and action. This morning we’ll explore some of the themes and spiritual invitations that are part of this season. How can we take honest stock of our lives? How can we restore deeper relationships to self, other, and the sacred? Rev. Dara Olandt is a UU minister of Jewish heritage and practice. Her writing has been featured in “Jewish Voices in Unitarian Universalism” (Skinner House, 2014). She formerly served as Assistant Minister at UUCSR and is delighted to return as a guest worship leader today. 

Our proposed 8th principle states: “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.” This service will explore how understanding this proposed principle can lead us on a journey toward wholeness.