Rosh Hashanah

This is the first day of Rosh Hashanah (Roash hah-shah-nuh), which falls near the new moon of late September or early October. The observance begins at sundown tonight and lasts for two days, but it's actually the start of a ten-day period called the Days of Awe that ends with Yom Kippur. 

Rosh Hashanah means “Head of the Year”; it’s the Jewish New Year for the Spirit. The focus is on repentance for wrongs you have done, and a reaffirmation that you will (try to) take the honorable path.

Agenda Today:

1. Journal:

At Rosh Hashanah I turn my thoughts inward and look at the part of me that is God, to consider how I might be a better person in the year ahead.

I’ve just reviewed my Mission Statement to see if it still expresses what I want to do with my life. Once I’ve defined a plan and work that seems meaningful to me, the next step is to actually try to live by that plan, and do that work.

It seemed appropriate today to think about how well I’m succeeding so far. I reread my mission statement and asked myself--

Am I living my life, each day, in a way that leads me towards my mission?
Am I enjoying the journey on that path?
Do I feel honorable and contented?
What could I do better?

From my journal: The last words of my mission statement are: "I feel comfortable with uncertainty." That's an ideal that continues to challenge me! I feel anxious this month that I don't know what will happen next... Even as I continue to work to open new doors and follow new paths, how can I relax into the flow of my life, pay calm attention to the people I meet, be present for situations that arise, and fully celebrate the changeable energy of the season?

2. Prepare for the Seder:

It's traditional to eat three foods on Rosh Hashanah: Honey for a sweet year, round apples and round challah for a solid round year.

I often bake fresh challah for this Seder, but we are having another heat wave, so yesterday I went looking for round challah at several bakeries-- but got everyplace just after closing.

Today I went early, and successfully bought a round loaf of challah; also two new candles, sweet apples, honey, and a bottle of wine.

It's traditional to cut the apples in rounds.

3. Share a Seder:

I usually share a Seder with my art class students, but this year-- no classes! So I had a small Seder just with my husband. It was lovely. We lit candles, and said these prayers-

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam borei p'ri hagafen. 

Blessed art Thou, oh God, Who creates the fruit of the vine.

We took a sip of the wine, then continued with the following:

Barukh attah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam, ha-motzi lechem min ha-aretz.

Blessed art Thou, oh God, Who brings forth bread from the earth.

We took a bite of the challah (dipped in honey), then continued with the following:

Barukh attah Adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam, Borei peri ha-eitz.

Blessed art Thou, oh God, Creator of the fruit of the trees.

We took a bite from the apple (dipped in honey), then finished with:

May the year be good and sweet! Shana towva umetuka!

4. Attention:

Late Summer: Seeds Are Falling- acrylic on board

I'm not Jewish, but it just appeals to me to reflect on the state of my spiritual life now, in the late summer- when all of nature is in transition.

I'll try to spend this evening and the next day in a higher-than-usual state of awareness.

Tonight I'll say a sincere prayer, giving attention to every word: Spirit of Love, surround me, give me courage. I cast seeds out, scattering them widely, but I can't make them grow. I open to the nurturing Light, and surrender to the Mystery.

In the morning, I'll wake with this prayer in my heart, and carry it through the day, walking with eyes open wide, talking to everyone with care and love, listening beyond words.

May this year be good and sweet for each of us.