A New Beginning
Once again, we are starting a new cycle in the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and a celebration of the birthday of the world. The ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur (this year September 9 through September 19) are called the Ten Days of Awe. On these days, we work toward having a more meaningful life. It’s a time of deep introspection, sort of a mental “house cleaning”, addressing our past mistakes and committing to making better choices in life. Our sense of awareness is awakening and we’re more focused.
Similar to the New Year’s resolutions we all make on January 1, on Rosh Hashanah we make a list of meaningful resolutions that can be life changing. Whether it’s to lose weight, find a soul mate or take the class we always wanted. Perhaps we wish to donate more, do more good deeds, get a fulfilling job or finally learn to relax. Some individuals need to improve personal attributes such as being less judgmental, more positive, more loving and compassionate. Others may want to become more assertive, more patient or learn to let go.
We know the changes needed to improve our lives. We know no one else will do them for us, and just having good intentions isn’t enough. We must prioritize our goals and set deadlines with very specific, attainable steps. Tackling the hardest goal first makes the rest seem easier. Only after starting the process will motivation kick in. Visualizing the success and sharing our goals with our support system helps too.
There’s a story told about two people on a ladder, one is on the bottom and one is on top. Who is higher? We can’t judge until we know which direction they’re heading. If the one on top is going down and the one on the bottom is going up, then the one on the bottom is conceptually higher because he’s moving in the right direction.
What’s important is that we always try to be better than we were before. We’re all in different places on our journey and doing the best with what we’ve got. Since our lives cannot be taken for granted, we must take advantage of this time of renewal to reflect and to create a new, exciting beginning for ourselves.
Wishing you a very happy and fulfilling Jewish new year! L’Shana tovah!
Naomi Young is an educator in Jewish studies. She is also a local writer and artist. On September 21 through September 23 she’ll participate in the chalk festival on Main Street.
You may reach her at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com or see her website www.naomiyoung.com.
ADVERTISE WITH US
Schools Out For Summer – The Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman
That used to be the anthem we blasted on our radios as loud as can be…now the tune can equate fear in two household families. I think the most difficult part of summer break is unilateral for all parents; keeping your children occupied. Twice as hard when you have to...
The Imperative of Smoother Hospital-to-Home Transitions – Comfort Keepers In-Home Care
In the symphony of healthcare, the crescendo of care for our seniors often reaches its peak during the transition from hospital to home. This pivotal juncture, where the baton passes from the hospital’s skilled hands to the tender embrace of home care, is crucial for...
Spring is In the Air – Oakmont Senior Living
A hopeful sense of wellness and renewal is upon us with the onset of the Spring season. I am delighted by the sheer number of family members visiting our thriving residents at Oakmont Senior Living. They come to celebrate with their parents or other loved ones who...
ABOUT THE MAGAZINE
Santa Clarita Magazine has set a high standard for excellence in advertising for over 34 years. A family owned and operated business, Santa Clarita Magazine has grown with the Santa Clarita Valley since 1990 and become the #1 place to advertise locally.
FOLLOW US
SANTA CLARITA MAGAZINE
PO Box 801570
Valencia Ca 91380
For Advertising information
Call or Text: 1 (661) 294-4444