Robyn Spizman Gerson’s 2021 Rosh Hashanah Message

Home For The Holidays, Again

As the new year and holidays arrive, it takes mindfulness to stay positive, to wake up optimistically and thank G-d for another day. When I think of the Jewish holidays, I focus on gratitude. At the top of my list are family, friends, everyday heroes, along with modern science. I find myself wanting to feel a sense of renewal and to believe the year ahead will be a better one. I continue cleaning, and wonder what’s Jewish, if anything, about my mission of serial optimism and orderliness.

Our homes have taken on new meaning. A place we reside, relax, gather, even pray, if only by zoom. I am getting ready for the company who is not coming and imagining the table set. As I straighten things up, I notice my husband’s prayer book, kippah and tallit for davening every Wednesday morning to insure there’s a minyan at synagogue. His ritual is purposeful as his presence might be number ten.

Growing up in Atlanta, when Rosh Hashanah was coming, my grandparents bought me a new outfit for synagogue. My parents Phyllis and Jack Freedman, of blessed memory, continued that tradition with my children. The holidays approaching signified something meaningful was about to happen. I now wonder what will be special this year. It won’t be a holiday outfit or the well-appointed table awaiting guests. This year the holidays will be a reminder that we made it through another year. A happy year is hopeful, and a healthy year for all will surely be the grand prize.

I will remain thankful for another day and Jewish holidays. May each of us remember we can make a minyan and a difference to sweeten the new year. For now, I’ll continue to clean up, even if there’s no mess. After all, we’ll be home for the holidays, again.

Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times bestselling award-winning author of dozens of books and a well-known media personality who has appeared often on the Today Show. www.robynspizman.com.