We light this chalice in honor of Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.

May its flame call us to search our souls, sifting through the past year to see where we may have missed the mark.

May its light guide us toward the courageous and openhearted apology, toward repair of relationships in our lives.

May its heat warm our hearts to offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us, allowing us to release the chains of grudge and blame that have bound us to them.

And may its strength help us take the actions that are within our power to make this next year more just, more loving, and more peaceful for our communities and for all of humanity.

And let us say: amen.