Shana Tova, everyone! This week’s blog is in honor of the Jewish New Year . This being the first Rosh Hashanah without my mother, I’ve been feeling particularly nostalgic and introspective. My old Rosh Hashanah tradition was to visit my Mom in Newport Beach followed by a return to New York City for Central Synagogue’s Yom Kippur service. I love the services at Central Synagogue and many of us go to Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for these services. What a privilege. It’s like going to a concert! The music is extraordinary, and it feels like a community with so many of us worshipping in the same place. I feel so blessed, especially since I grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas going to a part time synagogue where services were less than inspiring.
Now that my mother is no longer with me, I’ll be starting new traditions this year.
The first of these is welcoming in our new Rabbi! Angela Buchdahl married Michael and me a few years ago, and was just sworn in as senior Rabbi over at Central Synagogue. I can’t wait to attend her services this year!
Secondly, I think it’s important to begin new rituals each year. Several times a week, when I awaken, I have a special grateful list which I keep beside my bed. I believe that being grateful for your life, no matter what, creates a vessel for more good to come to your way. Though it seems strange to be eating apples and honey without Mom this year, I’m grateful to have had such a loving mother, and I feel her energy with me at all times.
This Fall , my newest ritual has become organization. After so much travel the past three months, it’s grounding to be home again. Since getting back, I’ve had an insatiable desire to organize and clean everything in my life…. Closets, storage units, drawers, the works. My goal is to finally go through decades of belongings so that all the clutter can be cleared from my life.
The inspiration behind this came from”Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui,” a book by Karen Kingston. She says that putting your external life in order corresponds to the order of your inner self. Clearing external clutter thus removes internal obstacles, creating space for new opportunities. I’ll be keeping this close to heart as I begin to pack up and de-clutter my Mother’s old house in Newport Beach.
In the spirit of the new year, it’s out with the old and in with the new! Here’s wishing you all good fortune, happiness, and much love this year! Who knows, maybe organizing your closet will help it all come true!
P. S. for those who always asking for my famous brisket recipe for your holiday cooking, here it is!
Next week, I have a very special video for you all the way from Siracusa, Sicily!
Stay tuned!!!
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really..
Thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet someone with a little originality!
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites Watch bbcpersian
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
Great post Thank you. I look forward to the continuation.
Thank you for sharing your journey with your own Mother! Wishing you a healthy and Happy New Year as well.
I was touched by your recent story offering you condolences on your mom passing away, may she rest in peace. I lost my mom too last year and half and its still very sad for me that she is no longer with us. I used to call her every time before Rosh Hashana to wish her happy new year ( lives in Israel) and also ask her for some cooking
and recipes from her Jewish Indian traditions. Wishing you happy. New year and no more sorrow.
Ora Farchy