Rosh Hashanah 2020

This year, Rosh Hashanah was very distinctive. It may not have been filled with all of our normal routines like attending synagogue or celebrating with friends in large gatherings. But it was unique and special in its own way. In a world still immersed in social distancing, racial, economic and political turmoil, this Jewish New Year allowed our family some space to truly reflect on what was important to us and how we could change the things in our lives with which we were not satisfied. It was filled with all of the things that the Days of Awe should encompass: self-reflection, renewal, mindfulness, connection, quietness, personal growth and family togetherness.

On the first night of Rosh Hashanah, we enjoyed all of our favorite holiday foods -- apples and honey, round challah, matzo ball soup and corned beef with potatoes and carrots. It was simple, easy and we weren't rushing to finish the meal to get to services at the Temple.

We spent Saturday in Sedona hiking and exploring Oak Creek. While in nature, we decided to do the ritual of Tashlich. This is a traditional ceremony during Rosh Hashanah where you symbolically "cast away" your sins or wrongdoings from the past year by throwing pebbles or breadcrumbs in a flowing body of water. As you throw the item in the water, you are supposed to throw away the wrong deed promising that you will do better in the upcoming year. It was really inspiring to listen to my kids as they owned their wrongdoings and how they hoped to do better in 5781. Let's hope I can be just as inspiring to them and become a better parent in the upcoming year.

Before heading home, we did a surprise visit to my parents cabin to enjoy a late lunch and a round of Pinochle. What an enjoyable and inspiring day! Not everything in 2020 was a complete disaster.

Rosh Hashanah Dinner