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Hi, Just when you thought the kids were going back to school after a summer hiatus, or just when your routine kicked in after summer recess and family vacation…. That’s right: In Israel it’s holiday time all over again. Actually, we’re kind of proud of our schedule, to be honest. Perhaps even snobby about the traditional attitude towards beginning a new year: turning over a new leaf, celebrating good and asking for more. For us, in Jewish tradition, our new year takes on an introspective bent, making it less of a party and more of a celebration of life and request for our futures. That puts us squarely in prayers at synagogue for two solid mornings during our New Year celebration – less beer and partying, more prayer books and communal, uplifting singing. We have big meals with lots of guests, some fun weird food customs, like finding a fruit that’s new to you this year and sharing blessings for the coming year, around the table. Yes, our “Rosh Hashana” is a time for family and God, with prayer and food, in true Jewish tradition. I personally love the singing – sitting in synagogue knowing you’ve got a good few hours ahead of you, sprinkled with annual tunes that seem to swell up from the entire room to reach the heavens. And somehow it feels like He is listening to us more closely this time of year. We’ve got a full ten days for special introspection and repentance. It’s not a sad or depressing time, but rather an opportunity. Late night extra prayers to bring us closer as a community and to God, time to spend reading scripture and sharing thoughts – it’s all part of the buildup between New Year’s and Yom Kippur – our holiest of days. Kids tend to worry how they’ll ever get through the day, while adults learn to almost look forward to shunning their watches, giving in to the day of fasting and prayer, as an opportunity to let go of our mundane world for a higher calling. I think it’s simply called humility, and the message comes through loud and clear, whether you’re up or down on the social totem pole this year. So join us in wishing each other a wonderful year, one filled with health, family, wisdom, action and joy. Ruthie, Sarah, Avi & the rest. |
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Israel is Beautiful! |
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