Tonight at sunset marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah and the kick off to the Jewish New Year, and is followed 10 days later by Yom Kippur or the “day of atonement.”  Rosh Hashanah is known as the “day of judgment,” and it is believed that God opens the Book of Life on this day and begins to decide who shall live and who shall die. The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are viewed as an opportunity for Jews to repent and ensure a good fate.  All over the world jews will gather in synagogues for services, and throughout the service the shofar will be blown (it’s a mitzvah (commandment) to hear the shofar, a literal and spiritual wake up call) which is unique to time of year. A common greeting on Rosh Hashanah is shana tovah u’metukah, Hebrew for “a good and sweet new year.

As I sit here 39 Weeks pregnant reflecting upon the year past year, and the one ahead I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a sweet, healthy, and happy new year from my family to yours. It’s been a fantastic year of change and reflection for me personally, and I’m looking forward to celebrating the holidays this year with family and friends. This year a lot has fallen into perspective and I feel as though I’ve become a better and warmer person, more relaxed, and have more clarity around the things that truly matter.  I’m looking forward to meeting my little bundle of joy in the upcoming days or weeks and hoping this will be the best year ahead!

“Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.” – Sydney Smith