Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement.
For the past 21 years (most of my adult life) Rosh Hashanah has always coincided with the Yatzeit of my late mother. This in itself provides a time for deep reflection and an opportunity to remember and to draw strength from her legacy.
The Talmud tells us that three different books are opened on Rosh Hashanah: The Book of Life – for those judged to be completely righteous, the Book of Death – for those judged to be completely wicked, and the Middle Book for all who are judged to be in between.
For me personally I see it as an opportunity to start afresh a time in our calendar that provides each one of us with the opportunity to dig deep, and really look at ourselves, our behaviour, our actions and the choices we have made. For me this is a remarkable time to learn and grow that I believe if used correctly provides endless possibilities of growth, reflection and self-development.
My Rosh Hashanah blessing for myself, my family and friends is for a year complete with Hashem’s greatest blessings, good health, inner peace, success in all we strive to achieve, cherished memories, family filled simchas and a year filled to the brim with the strength to speak and live one’s truth and honouring who each of us are as individuals in the world that we live in today!
Shanah Tovah, and may it be a sweet good year!