Counting My Blessings

My granddaughter Tamar singing new year greetings learned in kindergarten

The month of Tishrei brings a whirlwind of celebration, soul searching, stock taking, resolution and renewal. I was privileged this year to be a guest at my children's homes this year for Rosh Hashana and Succot. It must be a mother's greatest pleasure to see her children raising their own children and passing on traditions. On Rosh Hashana this year I heard my eldest son lead the morning prayers. I heard him say words of Torah to his students both at home and at the Yeshiva where he teaches. The first night of Rosh Hashana at my other son's house included besides the usual symbols of the holiday a quiz aimed at the younger set which had us all laughing and applauding. Having seven holiday meals in three days gave us an opportunity to do justice to all three families of our married children in Mitzpe Ramon. 

Succot brought another first opportunity. This time we went to the brand new settlement of Naveh in the western Negev. This is where my other son moved from the temporary settlement at Yated. So not only was this the first time we visited him in his new home, it was also the first time he built his own sukka. After the holiday we were joined by my son from Mitzpe Ramon making it  real family celebration. 

This post can best be summed up by the traditional blessing thanking god for having kept us alive and sustaining us and bringing us to this season. 

ברוך...שהחיינו וקיימנו לזמן הזה!