When facebook informed me earlier this week that it was my birthday with wonderful messages from friends as family, it got me thinking.
Today is actually my Hebrew birthday. But, without getting too philosophical, so what? It’s another Friday. One day older than yesterday. Why the celebration? Is there some sort of achievement in simply surviving the passage of time?
The answer to this is very timely for all of us. A birthday is likened to a personal Rosh Hashanah. Translated literally from the Hebrew, It doesn’t mean New Year, or Beginning of the Year – It means Head of the Year. Kind of a peculiar choice of vocabulary.
This was one of the topics in last night’s High Holiday Insights class (Next one is Thu, Oct. 6th). The message is that it isn’t just a random day on the calendar when we gather to celebrate another year gone by. Rather, Rosh Hashanah is meant to inspire and energize our entire year, much like the head guides and motivates the function of our body.
A birthday is a day to reflect on the big question of “who am I?” and to remind ourselves of our values, and the people and things we hold dear. This in turn, fuels us as we enter into a new year with a newfound focus and passion.
Rosh Hashanah is just days away, and we celebrate the world's 5,777th birthday. Take the opportunity to reflect, reconnect with your inner self, and kickstart your best year yet!
A seat is waiting for you at our welcoming and user-friendly services at the fabulous Hotel Petaluma. Come for part (Shofar blowing is 11:45), or come for the whole thing. Kindly let us know that you are joining by filling out this form.
On a birthday we have extra Mazal, so I'd like to wish you a good and a sweet new year, blessed with health, happiness, and prosperity. May all of your hearts desires be fulfilled for the good. Shana Tova!
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush
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