Rosh Hashanah has always felt different to me from other holidays. Maybe it is because it comes with a natural pause. Life is still busy, work is still there, and whatever problems we were dealing with the week before do not suddenly disappear. But for a couple of days, the pace changes. We sit with family, hear familiar prayers, listen to the shofar, and realize that another year has gone by.

I have never been especially drawn to the idea of New Year’s resolutions. Of course there are things I want to do better, and probably always will be. But around Rosh Hashanah, I find myself thinking less about making promises for the year ahead and more about what I want to take with me from the year that just ended.

Family is probably the first thing that comes to mind. As everyone gets older and life becomes busier, you start to appreciate the ordinary time together more. Not only the holidays or the big family occasions, but a dinner, a long conversation,........

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