Review, Restart, and Release: A Yom Kippur Hymn

This video presents an original Yom Kippur hymn by Phil Straus, where the photographer explores what Yom Kippur means to him. The lyrics below explore common themes of the day, such as regret over past wrong doings, a commitment to change, and an acknowledgement of the imperfect nature of man. The cantoral style of the singing and melody are reminiscent of some synagogue services.

Review, Release, and Restart

Section 1 

I was not the best I could be.
I did not do the best I could do.
Perfect was a foolish goal.

I thought of others when I had to think of me.
I thought of me when others needed me.
Perfect is an impossible goal.

I did not accept my own feelings as me.
I did not change what could be changed within me.
I have said I too many times.

Section 2 (two verses)

Today, I start again.
I open the door
to excellent non-perfection.
I know I will never completely leave,
completely leave
my traps.
I know I will have misguided thoughts.
I will improve,
knowing
I won’t be as good
as I want to be.
I will try again.

Today, I start again.
I open the door
to excellent non-perfection.
I know I will again return to the same,
return to the same
bad feelings.
Again, perfection will seduce me.
I will improve,
knowing
I won’t be as good
as I want to be.
I will try again.

Section 3 (one verse)

I release myself.
I accept myself as imperfect.

Change regrets into stories.
Turn errors into lessons.
Smile gently at foolish efforts for perfection.

In spite of knowing the best is impossible,
I will do my best.
Do my best.