Taking a break from "courageous conversations" and "larger systems issues," state Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-36) offered constituents Rosh Hashanah greetings on his blog today---along with a request for forgiveness.

As a member of a tiny minority of less than 0.7 percent of our population, I am of course appreciative that the Jewish holidays do not take precedence in any fashion. However, this year it feels especially disconnected in terms of the lack of awareness of the importance of these holidays to the Jewish community.

Ballard High School’s homecoming begins as Yom Kippur ends; Planned Parenthood’s major event is on Rosh Hashana; Seattle Public Schools’ has numerous events at various schools including Salmon Bay; and many other events. It’s a difficult lesson for our own children to learn yet it is our reality.

But the beauty and holiness of Rosh Hashana, the sunlight of a new year, the warmth and dignity of family, friends and community, the opportunity to start anew, overcome all such inconveniences.

Finally, it is also an important and personal obligation for all people of Jewish faith–including me– to ask for forgiveness during the 10 days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Given my public role in elected office, I hope those of you whom I may have offended or hurt through my actions, votes, words or deeds, will grant me your forgiveness. It’s an honor to be of service to our community. I appreciate your graciousness in acknowledging that I am, of course, a real person living a real life and failure is as much a part of public service as success. Allowing our elected officials the room to stumble, learn and grow is, in a meaningful sense, the beauty of our citizen legislature.

L'shanah tovah to you, Rep. Carlyle.