L'Shana Tova: Jewish New Year Begins Today at Sundown

 Jews all over the world will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the New Year, today.

When coming into synagogue, they say, "L’Shana Tova" to each other, which literally means, "To a Sweet Year"; but how does that translate into everyday life?

Each year, our family gathers around the dinner table after services on Rosh Hashanah and the person at the head of the table asks, “What is your goal for the new year?”  In years past, people have answered, "world peace" and, "end to hunger" and other world-changing events.

But I like to keep my goals rather personal. My answer when my children were smaller was more patience, and as they grew I hoped that I could take more time to appreciate everyday life with them. Now, I find myself thinking about meeting my own needs for the first time in many years.

This year, my children are in second and third grades and they no longer need me to help them wash or, play with them constantly. My girls are growing up.

So what would make my new year sweet? I think I would like to take a few minutes each day to enjoy the world around me, maybe meditate or, just stop thinking for a moment. We rush through each day and often forget the little things in life. So this fall, as the Jewish people celebrate the New Year and eat apples dipped in honey to represent the sweetness in life, what will you do to recognize your own goals for the coming year?