Hi, Wednesday...the Jewish New Year begins tonight at sundown, and I'm looking forward to this year for sure...lots of changes afoot, all good, and exciting. More on that front soon...
Other than that, I think the Jewish approach to New Year's is a bit different than the secular version. The Jewish New Year begins at Rosh Hashanah and a week after is Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year. It's a time to fast, reflect, and apologize to all of those people that you may have wronged, a big part of celebrating the Jewish New Year is making amends with people so that you can be inscribed in the great book of life for another year by the big guy. So it's not really about champagne and parties, it's a time of reflection and solemn prayer.
It's tough to observe the holidays when your family is not nearby, but I will take a time out to reflect on the year ahead- I am not a religious person, but I do feel spiritually connected to some higher power of late, so going to go with that and give thanks for what I do have, as well as look to the future with hope and reverence and gratefulness. And then I'm going to think about planning a trip to Jamaica, because it's time for me to go back. It's a place that inspires me, rejuvenates, and speaks to the spiritual part of my soul, and each time I go my love for it grows. I happen to live 15 minutes from one of the nicest beaches in America, and take it for granted. But Jamaica is special in a way that Miami can't touch - the soulfulness and humility of the people, the amazing food, the lushness, the music. All of it. It's been a couple of years since we've been there and I want to go back. I'm thinking of going back to Port Antonio, former home of Noel Coward and Erroly Flynn and one of the most lovely places I have ever been.
How are Rosh Hashanah and Jamaica connected? To me, it's simple. Both represent a higher power, a time and place to reflect and recharge, to appreciate what we have, to make peace, and be thankful. Whenever I need to take a time out and get back in touch with myself, my mind goes to Jamaica. Just the way it is...and with that, I hope that this new year brings you much health and happiness, and here's hoping I land in Jam Rock some time this year or early next. And on this holiday, whether you are Jewish or not, find that place in your mind that brings you peace- in these tumultuous times, it's worth a shot. We all need to find some peace these days. And that's what's up this apples and honey of a Wednesday in the MIA. Happy and healthy to you and yours. XO