Good Yontif

I am home from work today but will soon be headed to synagogue to usher in the new year 5774. This is the actual year, had the world not started the count over again at the time of the common era. I like the calendar reporting events this way because B.C. is confusing. For example, one can be born in 254 BC and die in 198. So how old was the dude when he died? See what I mean? Not that anyone keeps track of dudes from back when, unless he was an angry Caesar (not the salad) who used his enemies as cat chow. Contrary to movie scenes, Caesar did not feed Christians to lions because he lived before Christianity--but I digress.

We celebrate Rosh Hashanah through the blowing of the shofar, a rams horn, to represent our call to worship. I've tried blowing into ram's horns but all I get is winded and drool down my chin. Kudos to those who can make them sound.

Also, last night, after services, we attended a wonderful party where we dipped apples in honey as a symbol of a sweet new year. If you haven't tried this, I highly recommend an apple, bowl of honey, and a wet wipe to keep your fingers from sticking together like silk to Spiderman.

Most importantly, this is the week for us to reflect upon the year and seek forgiveness from anyone whom we have hurt, knowingly or not. So, if I did or said anything to hurt your feelings, please forgive me. Sure, God will forgive us, but he asks that we seek forgiveness from those we have sinned against first. It is most important that we forgive each other and work to get along among those we live with because that's what counts in the eyes of the Lord.

L'Shana Tova Tikva Tenu

Happy New Year to all those celebrating the High Holy Days.