Embracing the New Year

Reflections on Rosh Hashanah

L’shana tovah, my friends! As I’m writing this week’s journal entry it is erev Rosh Hashanah–the first night we celebrate the new year of the Jewish calendar and the beginning of the Days of Awe. It’s a time of celebration, but also a time of deep reflection.

When I was living with my parents, we would spend full days at shul; during service breaks sometimes we’d go for walks in the typically crisp autumn air. 

I have to say, I really miss that. These days, mostly I attend virtual services (a side-benefit of the pandemic) through a terrific local synagogue that help guide my reflection through music and song. Though there’s nothing quite like hearing a shofar live, between work and a toddler, we do what we can!

My dear friends and G-d Daughter came up from the city last weekend to go apple picking at Harvest Moon Orchard–a ritual of ours–and we had an absolute blast! We watched as the girls ran giddily through the trees, sinking their teeth into every apple and pear they could reach. As our adventure came to a close, however, thus began a truly epic 1.5 hour tantrum where our little one nearly hurled herself out of the crib. More sleepless nights followed, begetting still more tears and tantrums.

Last night, she slept through the night. And tonight, as we ate our apples and honey, I said a little prayer: Let this truly be a sweet new year—one of good health, love, and peace—body and mind—for all. Wishing you and yours every blessing!