Happy 5786

 

Wishes for an abundance of sweetness and blessing

In just a few hours, at sundown tonight, the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashana will begin. Actually all days in the Jewish calendar begin at sundown, because the biblical story of the Creation teaches that G'd created the night before the day. So in a few hours I'll set my focus into the year ahead. The forty some hours that follow will include hours of prayer in services and a lovely dinner with friends who are family. I am deeply grateful for all. 

Apples and honey are a traditional food of Rosh Hashana for my ancestors, the Jewish people of Eastern Europe. They symbolize abundance and blessing and wishes for a sweet year ahead. In the times before foods were easily shipped all over the world, the apples were plentiful and abundant in the towns of Belarus and Ukraine where my family lived. And centuries later, even though more exotic fruits are readily available, we will still have apples and honey on the table. It is tradition and pleasure, more meaningful with every passing year.

As I've written in past Rosh Hashana posts, my congregation's services are long, usually over three hours. As much as I try to focus, my mind does wander. My concentration is still a work in progress. One thing that I've found that helps my focus is a prayer list. Ahead of the holiday I write down a list of items that I am praying for, as well as my friends, actual and virtual. It is an honor to pray for other people and I am grateful for the opportunity. If you have prayer requests please leave a comment or feel free to send me a message. 

As the old year wanes, I wish you and your family, Shana Tova, the traditional new year greeting. It is a wish for a good year, a year of good health, happiness and peace.    

As ever, thanks for visiting and Shana Tova!