For a moment the world stood still, at least if you were in Madras, Oregon. Totality. An otherwise regular Monday morning had everyone staring up at the sky in anticipation of that dramatic moment.
Except that there were plenty of warnings to go along with it. Don’t look directly at the sun. Use a pinhole projector. Or to really get the full experience, get a pair of certified eclipse glasses.
Why the hype? Why were schools giving out pairs of glasses that tomorrow would serve no purpose? Why did 
people travel great distances to be in the path?
It’s the same urge that compelled us to fly to the moon (other than trying to beat Russia in the space race). It’s the same desire that fuels people’s desire to climb Mount Everest or to invent new technology.
It’s the desire to touch the impossible. To transcend nature. To challenge, change and transform the limitations of yesterday with a quantum leap into the future. Not to let the norm get in the way of achieving our dreams.
The moon is not “meant” to wield influence on the sun. Hey, it’s not even supposed to be out at that time of day. Usually, we can’t even attempt to gaze at the sun. And now, we are given this incredible opportunity to relate to and interact with this powerhouse called the sun. Yes, we have to approach with caution, using the proper tools and having the proper appreciation for the magnitude of the experience. But then, we’re in for a treat. Totality. The summit. Out of the world.
This is what the High Holidays are all about. Approaching, interacting and communicating with the King, who is, under normal circumstances, beyond reach. It’s an opportune time of access. It’s the ability to transcend our selves. The ability to sing on a higher octave. To rocket out of the atmosphere.
Seize the moment for a truly other-worldly experience. While to better appreciate and to magnify the High Holiday experience preparation is always a plus (did you know that it's a custom to blow the Shofar the entire month preceding Rosh Hashana?), fortunately, no eclipse glasses are necessary.
ב"ה