This year seems to be especially contentious with both the upcoming election in the United States and the conflicts and wars which are currently occurring with Israel in the Middle East — as well as elsewhere in the world in general — so may 5785 be a year for peace, as the first of the two days of Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown tonight, Wednesday, October 2, 2024; and may it be the sweetest year yet for you filled with safe travels.
May 5785 Be a Year For Peace — and The Sweetest Year Yet for You.
The celebration of Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the new year in Judaism, which is celebrated for ten days that are called Yamim Nora’im — or the Days of Awe — before the day of atonement and the holiest day of the Hebrew calendar: Yom Kippur, which begins on the evening of
Even if you are not Jewish, you can still participate in this joyous and then solemn period of ten days for the new year. Partake in a round raisin challah, which symbolizes goodness without an end and the wish for a sweet and prosperous new year. Cleanse your body by fasting for 25 consecutive hours on Yom Kippur as you reflect upon the past year.
You can find out more information about the High Holy Days of the Jewish calendar by the official web site of the Lubavitch sect of Judaism. I am neither Lubavitch nor religious; but the web site has good information pertaining to Judaism.
Final Boarding Call
Travel is a great way to participate in new or different experiences — but you do not always need to venture far away. If the weather is conducive and you are in the area, take a walk on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn on Saturday, October 12, 2024 to see how Jewish people commemorate Yom Kippur. You might even be able to witness a service in one of the synagogues along the way.
May 5785 be the sweetest year yet for you filled with safe travels — and may we all experience peace and unity in this tumultuous world, as united we stand and divided we fall.
שנה טובה — or L’Shana Tova!
All photographs ©2023 by Brian Cohen.
