Good morning,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Today marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It is the year 5783, by tradition deemed to represent that many years since Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. We know, of course, that humans evolved many years prior to that—some 200,000 years ago; although recorded human history and the early Bronze Age come pretty close to the time when ancient Israelites lived. But who’s counting?!
Whatever your belief system, a day of introspection every year is an important placeholder and “reset” opportunity. As I always say tongue-in-cheek, I appreciate the Jewish New Year, as a second opportunity make and break resolutions. And if you throw in Chinese New Year, Persian New Year, Thai New Year and others I’ve not mentioned, there are plenty of additional chances to try to improve! But seriously, whenever we mark the passage of time—whether a religious ritual, a secular holiday, a life event, or just the movement of the hands of a clock, it offers an introspective moment to review the year, renew our values, and consider areas of self-improvement.
Moments like the advent of a new year also remind us of the passage of time, our own mortality and the fact that there are fewer years remaining for us to enjoy life. At our holiday dinners, we have a tradition to toast “those who are here with us today and those no longer are with us.” As much as one looks forward to the future, it helps to remember the past and those whose lives shaped our own.
In Judaism, it is traditional that we wish each other that they be inscribed for a good year. We also wish each other a sweet new year (and consume apples and honey and other high-sugar-content desserts!).
Wishing you a sweet year, whatever your faith (or absence thereof),
Glenn
PS: I caught the bird above on our roof. Not sure what sort of bird it is. Anyone with an answer?
A reverse image search on Google suggests the bird might be cockatiel, a common type of pet parrot. It may have gotten lost on its way home from a neighbor's house. (More about cockatiels: https://www.thesprucepets.com/cockatiels-as-pets-1236728)