200th post!

This is my 200th post! Yay! It feels like a lot more than that, though.

This is a picture of a shofar, siddur, and tallis.

So, next weekend is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and one of the High Holidays. It is one of the holiest days of the year. It is a day of judgement, when G-d looks in the Book of Life and makes decisions on people. It is a day of reflection, and 10 days later is Yom Kippur, when we repent for any wrongdoings so we can be sealed in the Book of Life. It is customary to wish each other "Shanah Tovah", to have a good year, or to tell people you wish them a sweet new year. We eat apples dipped in honey, and challah dipped in honey (which I am eating right now; it's my favorite part of the holiday!). It's also traditional to say "Next year in Jerusalem!" Gosh, I would love that - to be in Israel for the High Holidays. I miss it so much. I will return one day, this I know.

Rosh Hashanah was not always a sweet holiday. 14 years ago - half my lifetime ago - on Rosh Hashanah, events were set in motion that eventually resulted in my parents' divorce. At the time, I thought my life was over. And though it took me a while, my life gradually got larger and though it stings deep down, I am able to enjoy the holiday. This year, we have so much to be thankful for. I am so thankful that my grandmother beat breast cancer and is healthy and back to her socializing self, I am thankful that my nephew is talking and is healthy and happy, I am thankful that my family is able to help me, and I am thankful for my health. Overall, life is sweet, and I have high hopes for the coming year.