So tonight is “Erev Rosh Hashanah” or the Jewish New Year’s Eve. Tonight begins the high holy day period where Jews are asked to reflect on the past year of their life. One of the things that I enjoy about my religious upbringing is that it has instilled in me this “personal check in” time once a year. Followed ten days later by Yom Kippur- the day of Atonement- it is such a special time for me. I am introspective. I am surrounded by my family and by tradition. I speak the hebrew language of my ancestors and sing in prayer and feel very spiritual.
This year- I feel even more connected to the teachings of my people. On Rosh Hashanah, we look at what is GOOD in our lives. Where we have fallen short. Where we could have done better. What MORE we could have contributed to our community, to our family, to ourselves.
This year, during our silent prayer, I asked for the same things I normally do: peace. love. happiness. But what was exciting for me this year is that I noticed I was saying “please CONTINUE to bring me peace, love, happiness.” This is a huge sign of change for me. A sign that I am where I need to be. That I am content and open on my journey. That I want and need to continue on this path and that I am so sure of it, I ask for MORE.
It was also very exciting (and shocking) to see members of my hometown come up to me with questions about the work I am doing. My parents are well connected at the temple I grew up at- so the “movers and shakers” tend to speak about their kids any chance they have to shmooze. Many congregation members who have literally seen me grow up were now having ADULT conversations with me about how WE adults need change and how excited they are that I am a part of it.
I also had a fun moment when I saw one girl who I used to babysit. She is now 18 and about to go to college. And it makes me feel old. And proud. And old.
I am looking forward to another full day of temple tomorrow. We’ll be having a brunch at another temple members’ home- which is a weird and unfamiliar thing for me, but is more normal since my Gramoo died in 2006. My mother and I will be making an Insalata Caprese and will be playing Rumikub as my dad watches baseball. It’s perfect.
No related posts.
Janelle K. Eagle is infamous for always having her hands tied up in multiple projects simultaneously. She's directed a lot of theater, worked on some films, and raised lots of money for non-profits. She travels all the time and loves to share her videos, photography and writing via this blog. 
