People

An old song, "People", has lyrics that strike a chord with me. "People...People who need people are the luckiest people in the world..." That's me! I don't think that I could live on an island by myself. No, I know I couldn't! The interactions with others is what life is about. It never ceases to amaze me how those interactions occur. I love how the "small world" factor plays out in my life at least on a weekly basis. Last week, I was visiting a fine wine emporium and the manager recognized me from my Facebook friends! I had no idea that I was *that* recognizable, but it was fun. And a new friend is born!

A verse that I have seen twice now at different sites has also caught my attention. "I thank God every time I remember you." The impact those simple words can have on a person's demeanor is huge. It's always easy to be positive and thankful in the happy moments. But I've blogged before on how that one negative sticks out instead of all the positive things. Instead of dwelling on the negative, be thankful. Since I've been shown this verse twice now, I'd better take it to heart and do it!

Rosh Hashana

My mother died in October, 1997. A few years before her death she learned that her father was Jewish. He had added a letter to his name around WWI, so that people wouldn't know that he was. He was killed in 1936 and his heritage was forgotten until my mother's geneology was being studied. Over the last few years I have wanted to learn more about the Jewish holidays and customs. Being raised Christian, I was never taught about them and I am grateful to chambanamom for articles about being a Jew in Chambana. She helps me to understand what obstacles she faces in instances where diversity is lacking. Plus her writing is entertaining to me,as well!

Today marks the beginning of Rosh Hashana which is the beginning of the Jewish New Year that is celebrated with many symbolic customs. As I read about them, I find that they make a lot of sense to me, as a person. It is my Christian beliefs that form my core, though. But knowing that I have Jewish ancestry makes me want to know more. I am intrigued by the customs and more keenly aware of diversity.

Much has been made recently of different religions around the world. Religion is not just for a day that you go to a building to worship. It is a way of life. I hope that by embracing my Jewish ancestry and living my life by the "Golden Rule" which is to do unto others as I would have them do unto me, I will celebrate the diversity of the world in which we live!

One thing that confuses me, though, is since it begins at sundown, when do you send Rosh Hashana greetings? Today or tomorrow?

I'll send them now, anyway! Peace.....