September 29, 2019

Shana Tova U’Metuka. On Rosh Hashanah, we share blessings for a good and sweet new year. I am searching for even a drop of that sweetness at the close of 5779 — staring at the apples and honey I cannot eat, unable to join my community at synagogue for beloved annual and ancient traditions, yearning to sing sacred melodies and hear the potent call of the shofar. While sadly feeling none of the High Holy Days' characteristic joy, I know it is out there all the same in magnificent abundance for diverse souls, which offers some spiritual fulfillment. I instead find myself more focused on the solitary inward journey of personal reflection, meaningful introspection and solemn prayer. Transcending even wishing for health or happiness, peace or positivity, clarity or contentment, strength or success, wellbeing and wonder for myself — a body and brain closing the year weaker and darker than ever in my life, still reeling from my accident — I honestly want and humbly desire all such goodness to fluidly find its way into the physical beings, hearts and minds of fellow Jews and righteous human beings in need the world over. That would certainly be sweet. 🙏🏾✨🍎🍯