Rosh Hashanah Message: Rebecca LaBanca

In this new year I see reaching for the stars to have various meanings. I plan to make attainable goals that I can achieve — some of which are things such as spending more time with family and friends. I want to make sure that my daughter spends time with my parents. I am lucky that they live nearby, and they love going on outings with her. She was also lucky enough to know her great-grandmother and has fond memories of her.

I am lucky to have a wonderful group of friends and I will try to make plans with them on a regular basis. Sometimes, this is challenging due to everyone’s busy schedules. Another goal is to get more rest mentally and physically. This means having less screen time and spending less time on social media. Getting the physical rest of getting better sleep and exercising more regularly is also something that I’m striving to do in this new year. I realize that I am always too hard on myself and must give myself a little grace.

These goals may seem simple but having balance in life isn’t always easy. I will do my best to achieve them and strive to better myself in this new year. I look forward to spending the holiday with my family and singing the “Dip the Apple in The Honey” song. May everyone have a sweet new year!

Shana Tova!

Rebecca LaBanca is the administrative assistant at the Atlanta Jewish Times.