As the air shifts and the days grow shorter, my anticipation for the High Holidays crescendos—a symphony of excitement and introspection. For months, I look forward to Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, the moments we anticipate often slip away before we truly grasp their significance.
My husband asked me if I was ready for the upcoming holiday, and it only hit me that when I had the menu planned for five of the six meals of our three-day celebration, that a sense of calm finally washed over me.
Yet, beneath the layers of brisket recipes and matzah ball soup, Rosh Hashanah is so much more than just culinary preparation; it is a sacred time of reflection, connection to our Creator, and profound personal growth.Rosh Hashanah, known as the Day of Judgment, beckons us to turn inward. It invites us to meet our Maker with love and humility, suspended in a moment of reckoning.
Time marches on, and before I know it, this holy day will fade into the rearview mirror, leaving me with memories that may blur like distant echoes. The challenge lies not just in preparing our homes and kitchens, but in nurturing our souls. In the hustle of holiday preparations, finding the space to prepare spiritually can be daunting.
It’s not merely about setting the table; it's about setting our intentions.
As we dust off the prayer books and light candles, each act should serve as a reminder: this is a time for renewal. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the holiday season; however, if we take a moment to pause, we can savor the richness that unfolds around us.
Years ago, as a Teaching Assistant for a five-day positive psychology retreat, an enlightening lesson remained etched in my heart. Although we were well prepared, we were nervous about the days to come. Our mentor, Maria Sirois, urged us to be "treasure hunters" and to seek the “moments of gold” in the days ahead. She reminded us that these moments would be there waiting for us, shining with the potential for growth and connection. But we would have to be vigilant to notice them and appreciate their value.
This sentiment resonates profoundly as we approach Rosh Hashanah. Each prayer, each encounter, and each thoughtful conversation holds the possibility of being that moment of gold. This holiday, let us take a step back and look for the divine in the mundane.
Perhaps it's in a fleeting glance shared at the dinner table, a heartfelt prayer vibrating in our souls, or a compassionate word from a loved one. Whatever it may be, let it land softly in our hearts. We must remember to savor these experiences, allowing them to grow within us.
Rather than watching Rosh Hashanah fade into a mere calendar date, we have the opportunity to carry its essence into the New Year. As we reflect on the year that’s passed and the one that lies ahead, let us hold tight to these memories, transforming them into part of our path forward.
So, as we gather with loved ones over sweet challah and apples dipped in honey, let’s take a moment to breathe it all in. Let us commit to being present and vulnerable, prepared to embrace something—or someone—that may profoundly transform us. This Rosh Hashanah,
I wish for you each a sweet, healthy, and happy New Year. May it be filled with precious “moments of gold” that linger in your heart, nudging you along your journey of growth, connection, and spiritual renewal.
And when it does slip into the rearview mirror, let it be a memory that inspires rather than fades.
Internalize and Actualize:
1. Setting Intentions: What are your intentions for this Rosh Hashanah? How do you plan to prioritize spiritual and personal reflection as part of your holiday experience?
2. Moments of Gold: What are the “moments of gold” you want to seek out during the High Holidays? Describe what these moments might look like and how you can ensure you are present for them.
3. Embracing Change: Rosh Hashanah symbolizes renewal. What changes do you desire to embrace in the coming year? How will you cultivate the strength to pursue these changes?
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