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By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal
 SAN DIEGO—Below are four mitzvot that you can perform before coming to services on Yom Kippur to start your year off on the right foot.
Please note: they are not in priority order. Every mitzvah stands on its own!
1. Make your High Holy Gift to Tifereth Israel Synagogue
Every year we ask our members to make special gifts to the synagogue as a way of fulfilling their obligation to give tzedaka during these Holy Days. The giving of tzedaka is one of the ways we avert the "severe decree."
2. Express your concern about a nuclear Iran
and Israel bashing at the U.N.
I spoke on Rosh Hashana about these two critical issues. The following is a sample letter suggested by Jean and Franklin Gaylis that can be sent to our President, Senators, and Congresspersons:
Dear President Obama/Senator..../ Congressperson...........
We ask you to consider taking strong action against Iran as it threatens Israel and other countries with nuclear annihilation.
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President Ahmadinejad's vitriolic comments and denial of the Holocaust need to be taken seriously in the context of his radical Islamic ideology. We cannot afford to allow Iran to become a nuclear nation and threaten its neighbors and world peace.
The judgement of the UN Goldstone Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza conflict, that Israeli troops committed war crimes against the Palestinians, is ludicrous. It virtually ignores the fact that Israel was forced to defend herself because of years of unprovoked Palestinian (Hamas) launching of rocket attacks against innocent civilians. This panel appears to be deeply biased against Israel and we ask you to evaluate the Court's findings and reject its conclusions.
Sincerely,
3. Contribute to Mazon
Mazon is a Jewish organization that provides funds to programs that feed the hungry throughout the United States. I urge you to contribute the amount of money you would have spent on food this Yom Kippur to those in need.
4. Contribute to a San Diego Food Bank
Every Yom Kippur we collect food that is contributed to the Jewish Family Service Food Bank. Please bring your non- perishable contributions with you when you come to services on Kol Nidre eve.
I wish you and all those you love a happy and sweet New Year.
Shalom,
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