Shaindle Schmuckler's 2021 Rosh Hashanah Message

My Jewish New Year: A Year of Possibilities

Every year, come fall, the Jewish New Year arrives carrying a basket filled with possibilities.

Decorated with the finest of clothes, new shoes, fresh haircuts, shiny clean faces, children are filled with wonder at what gifts and surprises Hashem has in store for them.

This fall, I too wait with shpilkes (ants in my pants). These previous two years have been challenging, to put it mildly. Don’t get me wrong, I welcome a good challenge, depending on the type of challenge, of course. I am hoping that this year’s possibilities bring only health and the relief of being COVID-free, both physically and emotionally.

The possibility of a good laugh, and many of them. The possibility of delicious hugs and kisses from and for our family and friends. Wouldn’t it be a welcome feeling to be less than six feet apart in shul? To be able to wear makeup, if you so desire, not to worry what your mask will look like when you remove it and all the makeup with it.

Every Miss America’s greatest wish seems to always be a hope for world peace, or the eradication of hunger. Well, guess what folks: with all my heart, so do I. I pray Hashem sees great possibilities in humanity and rewards us by making it happen in this Jewish New Year.

Shaindle Schmuckler is a regular contributor to the Atlanta Jewish Times through her Shaindle’s Shpiel.