A Meaningful Pause

Today many people will celebrate the New Year, or Rosh Hashanah. Our ancestors believed that on this day the book of life is opened and ready to accept the names of all those whose lives will be carried anew into the coming year. As we celebrate this holiday I’m struck by the uncertainty and hope that a new year brings. Looking back on the year gone by, I am overwhelmed with the hills and valleys that string together our days.

During the next ten days we are called to think deeply about our days, our years, and our future. As we think about our families and ourselves may we also think about the lives and families of others. May we strive to do better for our global family. May we work to mend the broken system that takes parents from children and allows some lives to be healed while others perish based on the size of a paycheck. May we work to understand our role in perpetuating a civilization of greed and work towards healing the planet and each other by raising each other up with our words, our work, and yes, even our wallets.

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful holiday. May your new year be sweet and blessed and filled with opportunities to learn and grow and be an even better version of yourself tomorrow than you are today.

Shanah Tovah Umetuka, Have a Good and Sweet Year.