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.....