Well, I've never been accused of being overly dramatic. So it's very unlikely you'll see me jumping up and down as Rosh Hashanah occurs over the course of the weekend. Those of you who are not Jewish will probably not know that the Jewish New Year occurs over a two-day period everywhere even in the land of Israel. Most two-day holidays like Passover and Shavuot are only observed for one day in Israel This is a fallout from the Diaspora that occurred after the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Because the first day is a Sabbath, this year's first day of Rosh Hashanah has even bigger consequences–read that as more prayers. Also, because it is the Sabbath, we will have to wait until Sunday to hear the blasts of the shofar (ram's horn) that signals the beginning of the new year. Following a long morning of prayer, a noonday meal, late evening prayers and an evening meal, it will all begin again Sunday with more of the same. It's an introspective time of year as everyone should consider their lives and what they hope to accomplish in the ensuing year. So, in the spirit of this holy day, I offer you some virtual apples and honey for a sweet new year. To all of my Jewish friends and community I offer you the traditional Hebrew greeting L'Shana Tova Tikatevu ("May you be inscribed for a good year.")
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