Rosh Hashana

From taffy chews that say special blessings to drink boxes at the grocery store that have written on them happy holiday (chag sameach), the preparation for Rosh Hashana is in full swing. It's hard to ignore the occasion, even hearing while in the bathroom a shofar blow (yes, very strange). We've been told the holidays create a sense of calm in Israel, but it seems no different. Rather, it's the wishes and positivism that really shine.

The new year experienced in Israel really is THE new year.

This Rosh Hashana is a little rough. Having received bad news from the family this past week, the distance from the United States feels even stronger. Debating when and how to go back to visit is an added cloud, so closely to the aliyah experience. We're not exactly ready to go back, out of fear that doing so, will bring to light all the things we are missing back from chutz la'aretz. Will make it that much harder to go back. Our discussions thereby aren't only around apples and honey, rather on issues closer to heart -- in sickness and in health. The importance to solidify our own family and work through the struggles. We sit here, waiting to find out more information and for decisions to be made, and then plan accordingly. Bad news is especially hard to swallow around Rosh Hashana as it is known as a time of judgement. In our case, 72 hours was all it took to turn plans upside down.

This past shabbat lunch, there was an act I've never seen happen before. The host, towards dessert time, asked her children to stop before benching and say tehillim. Not knowing the full circumstances, the concern and pain, one child added that the week has days in pairs except for shabbat. And when we pray on shabbat, the pleas for healing are that much stronger. It was fascinating that unlike walking the walk or talking the talk, it was the first time since the grim news that action was taken. A very humbling moment and unique to Israel -- this sense of being part of a large family. Am Yisrael. It's one of the very reasons we moved here - the infrastructure that when life gets tough, there's someone to lean on. And when you yourself are in doubt, others can help pull you back in.

The morning of erev Rosh Hashana, my niece and I took a cab to the cemetery. It is customary to go visit loved ones, pray and ask for their guidance in the heavens to watch over us. The ride there, on low volume, we noticed that songs of Rosh Hashana were playing. It was very uplifting and sweet. Standing by my father's grave, I recited a psalm lightly, we cleaned off the grave from dust and small stones. We selected larger ones, circling it around the poem of his name, signifying the love each of us has for him. On top of that, we took 3 smaller stones, for the 3 new little boys in the family, named after him. We had not planned any of this prior. It came about naturally as an extension of our feelings to concrete action.

From the cemetery we asked the cab to bring us to Naimi mall. What was a 80 shekel cab ride, I gave him a 50% tip, given the circumstances (and everyone has the holiday in one way or another to prepare for). We spotted the Mayor of Beit Shemesh, Aliza Bloch, wishing people passing by a happy holiday. At one point another women walked past us with slices of apples and honey, handing them out. 

Entering a home goods store, we saw sukkahs for sale and tons of decorations. Thinking it over, had this been the states, there would be advertisements for Halloween. It is refreshing to be living in a country where the calendar aligns with yours. Today, Sunday, typically a work day, everyone (well at least, I) had off of work. Later in the afternoon, our neighbor came by with apple cake and we discussed the blessings and hardships in her family as well. I had wanted to purchase them honey cake or bake and wasn't anticipating that she'd be giving us something (note to self). This is when chocolates never fail. 

Life in certainly an interesting circle.

Surprising realization -- we had to search for round challahs that I thought the country would have in full swing with a variety of flavors, but alas. I see a business opportunity for someone here! Our local store in Beit Shemesh, Super Hatzlacha didn't have round challahs on Friday, so I was skeptical. To my surprise, they did in fact have today sesame, raisin, whole wheat and grain. A larger store, Chalat Habayit only had sesame. Happy to see someone have some fun here with this holiday -- apple challah, cinnamon, marble. Common' Israel! 

Wishing us all that are pekelachs get lighter and that we see through strength to get through challenges. May it be a sweeter year than the last, in ways we could never imagine and hope. And if you can, please add to your tefillot יהודית בת צבאטל for miracles.