A Worthy Message

We're in Atlanta for about 10 days celebrating the Jewish holidays.  Being home is always a treat for me and I cherish the extended visits where I get to pretend that I live here.

My family has always taken Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur seriously and I hope that Daniel can grow up to do the same.  I use the time in synagogue to reflect on the past year and focus on what I'd like to accomplish during the next.  I think about things I've done that could have been done better, ways I've acted that don't make me proud and things I've gotten upset about that I should have just let roll off my back.  It's peaceful and easy for me to sit in a sanctuary and listen to familiar songs, prayers and voices and I really am so thankful that I am able to spend this time where I grew up.

Matt and I took Daniel to the "Family Service" this year so that we could experience synagogue together.  I've always wondered what these services were like and we all absolutely loved it!  Not only was it a bit chaotic, which is a good thing considering the fact that Daniel can't sit still for more than 10 seconds these days, but it broke the meaning of Rosh Hashanah down into the basics:  be happy and healthy in the new year, love and respect each other and don't take life for granted. 

What a beautiful message.  Especially as I write this post on 9/11.

I decided to take a video while the Shofar was being sounded and while it's fun to watch Daniel in his grandfather's arms, I really like listening to what the Rabbi has to say.

I wish for a very sweet, very happy and very healthy New Year.  I wish for my son to continue to be full of love, spirit and curiosity and I wish for myself to be more patient and understanding.  I am blessed and I wish to never take that for granted.