Gifts of Gold

I'm sitting in the Synagogue, and the Rabbi is talking about taking care of your God-given body, and I look down at mine. Not too far down, because... well, you know... that gets depressing.  But as I look, I notice something very interesting (to me at least).

I am adorned today with gifts of gold from many people who have loved me.  I didn't intend this, but every piece of jewelry was a gift from someone special.  Not one thing was made or purchased by me.  My earrings are from my mother, my bracelet is from her beloved aunt, my necklace an amazing story from my mother-in-law, on one hand my wedding ring from my husband (and indirectly a gift from my father), on the other hand my grandmother's wedding band.  Each piece is made of gold, and each has a distinct and memorable "story."

It's as if these loving family members have dressed me, and ushered me into the Days of Awe. It feels a little like a bride being dressed by her inner circle.  On Yom Kippur I will go it alone, with no jewelry at all, but today 3 generations of family members have surrounded me with love and memories and fortitude.

Rosh Hashana in the Age of Facebook

I don't know exactly how people traditionally prepared for Rosh Hashana. I've always felt it sort of jumped upon me, and I've never felt ready. But this year I find it's really being pushed to the front burner by, of all things, social networks!

Everywhere I turn, people are posting cool Rosh Hashana things on Facebook, or sending links by email... beautiful pictures, wonderful recipes, songs, videos, essays, prayers. It's actually got me thinking about the coming year. Ahead of time!

I find it fascinating how we utilize the newest technologies and trends to continue some of our most ancient traditions. It seems to help us relate to our ancestors, and explore what might be relevant today. Hmmm, maybe I'll download that Shofar app!

Being Celebrated

Wednesday was our 36th wedding anniversary. It was also Erev Rosh Hashana. So when my SIL asked "did you celebrate?" the answer wasn't that simple. 

Wednesday morning we gave each other anniversary cards, which turned out to be almost the same card. Each had dogs dressed as people, with very similar captions about how after awhile you start looking the same.

Wednesday night we were part of a big holiday dinner at a friend's home, so we weren't really celebrating our anniversary.  But then they surprised us with a special dessert with a candle in it, and everyone sang to us.  It was very sweet. 

On Thursday we sang in the choir, then came home to phone calls from people who forgot to call on Wednesday.  Thursday night we ate another holiday meal at someone else's home, and everyone marveled at our feat of remaining married for so long.

Friday evening we spent feverishly preparing for Saturday morning... Gershon was reading a Torah portion, and I was doing a D'var Torah.  Needless to say, neither one of us was prepared. But it was an evening well-spent.

Saturday morning we each did our part in the Torah service.  Then, just when we had both sat down in relief, the Rabbi called us both back up to the Bimah, and did a special Mi Shebeirach in honor of our anniversary.  The entire gathering sang "Siman tov und mazel tov" for us.

Saturday night we went to our friends' house for Mah Jongg, so we didn't have a chance to go out and celebrate together until Sunday night, when we finally went out to a restaurant, ate too much and toasted each other L'chayim. Twice (for 36 years).

No cake or chocolates, no gifts or jewelry or tropical vacations, but actually our anniversary was celebrated by a lot of people. It seemed like it would be lost in the shuffle, but actually it was pretty cool.