Happy New Year 5769

Monday night begins the Jewish New Year, a very holy and serious holiday during which one takes an accounting of his life and deeds and makes amends to anyone he hurt or fought with. Under Jewish Law, it is required that one apologize and ask forgiveness three times -- if the other won't forgive -- you are absolved of the requirement and it is considered over. Rosh Hashana involves praying a lot, and eating a lot of sweet food so you will have a sweet year. It is a time for one to reconcile with God, with one's fellow man, and so importantly, with oneself. If you are mad at yourself for a mistake made, if you harbor feelings of self-hatred, remorse, or sadness, Rosh Hashana, and the 10 days leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, give you the opporunity to get it right. This is the time for self-reflection, personal and spiritual growth. For those seeking a spiritual connection to God or a Higher Power, Rosh Hashana provides a context in time, a shelter, if you will, in which to accomplish this somewhat daunting task. It is so hard to get it right all of the time. One significant aspect of Repentence, or Teshuvah, during this holiday, is that you foreswear the repetition of the offense. So, you cursed in traffic. You say, "Sorry," to God and promise not to do it again. And if you do, you will repent again next year....There are many levels of meaning, much deeper than this simplistic explanation. Rosh Hashana is the Jewish celebration of creation. And we, as God's people, must create anew every day. And with each and every decision we make, we are re-creating the world. So, I would like to publicly like to say that I am sorry for any offenses I committed, knowingly (I did curse in traffic the other day), or unknowingly -- My apologies to God and the Cosmos. I believe that this will be a great year, a year of great opportunities, great challenges, and great joy. And a Blessing, that this year bring you Sweetness and Light and all things Good! Shana Tova!