L'Shana Tova

"Ah, these are Rosh Hashanah matters." ~ Hostess tonight as we women were in deep discussion in the kitchen pre-supper

September is start up time and as one of the guests said tonight, "The Jews got it right--September is the new year." The same crowd, plus or minus a guest or two, gathers every year at my friend's place to celebrate. We eat abundantly, drink wine extravagantly, laugh heartily, speak deeply, and leave satisfied. We feast on matzoh ball soup, brisket, couscous, sweet carrots, kugel, and honey cake.

Rosh Hashanah is a time for joy, for new beginnings, for celebrations, and for counting blessings. My goddaughter's family hosts this event and she turns 18 later this week. I count her among my blessings. I count each of those people around the table as a blessing because we gather "for a good year" and we bless each other and wish each other a sweet year ahead as we dip apples and bread in honey.

Sometimes when we step outside of our own cultural norms we see the beauty that each faith has to offer. L'Shana Tova--or for a good year! I raise a cup in blessing on your year.

Peace...or shalom, my friends, shalom,

Suzanne