It means Happy New Year, or Happy Rosh Hashanah. This is a bit early as the holiday doesn't actually begin until sundown Monday, September 29. By then I will be in Florida to spend the High Holy Days with my 95 year old father, who remains in good health. To be honest, I'm looking forward to time away from blogs, pundits, and politics. Although to be even more honest, South Floridians, especially senior citizens, are highly politicized, mostly Democratic, and very vocal. So, there will be political discussions. Still, I'm looking forward to listening to my dad's friends brag about their grandchildren (and great grandchildren), passing around the pictures, and complaining about the hot weather.
I'm leaving tomorrow, early in the morning, and have a lot to wrap up today; so this is it for a while - at least until next Friday or Saturday. Until then, be good, be kind and be safe!
And may there be some agreement on a rational plan to stanch the financial crisis.
4 comments:
Happy New Year to you, too!
Yesterday, I was standing in front of the meat section at the World Market in Richmond when I noticed a nice looking older lady standing nearby. I said to her, "Can you believe these prices? For a steak, I used to be able to feed a whole family!" She said, "I know its terrible but I just never feel like complaining. Just living here is such a blessing for my husband and I." She went on to tell me that her and her beloved husband, who was just then coming over to where we were talking, had both survived the Camps in Poland. As the old gentleman extended his hand in greeting, I could see part of the numbers tattooed on his arm.
The lady, "Sonja" told me that they came to America shortly after the end of WWII and her hubby started a TV repair shop that they operated from then until recently.
Sonja told me that every day that she lives in America, is a blessing to her and her family.
Meeting Sonja and her husband was a Mitzvah for me. I hope you and your family are also blessed during these challenging times.
Thank you J. Tyler. Actually, some of my family were in the camps (no longer with us - but they lived to ripe old ages). I remember, as a young girl, seeing the tatooed numbers on their arms and being warned by my mother never to ask about it.
My dad came to the U.S. as a young boy and served in the U.S. Army, which he is very proud of. At first he was a tail gunner, then served in the infantry. Because of his knowledge of European languages, he went on to work in the military police, guarding prisoners of war (Germans) and later translating and interviewing camp survivors. That was obviously traumatic for him. He has said that he realized that there but for the grace of God, it could have been him in the camp rather than him the liberator.
You are right, meeting and talking to people like the ones you met is a Mitzvah to us. It keeps things in perspective. The best to you and your loved ones in this holiday season.
Here's an interesting video on how we got to this point in the financial crisis...it's pretty good!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU6fuFrdCJY
Actually, I can dispute you on this, however, this is a thread for the Jewish holidays. Consider yourself lucky I'm not deleting you for going off topic.
I'm normally pretty easygoing, but I take goodwill during the High Holy Days pretty seriously. I don't insult Christians on their holidays either. For example, I wouldn't take the opportunity to trash Sarah Palin's stupidity on a thread about Christmas and the nativity or Easter and the Resurrection.
A little respect, please!
Post a Comment