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Can't/don't want to take off for #RoshHashanah but still want to mark the New Year? Here are some suggestions for making the transition from 5779 to 5780 meaningful
Live stream services online or even after the fact later in the day. Many Reform or liberal congregations record and allow people who are unable to attend to participate virtually. This can be quite meaningful.
Bring together a group of friends to have a #RoshHashanah meal with symbolic foods. In addition to apples and honey, eat golden carrots for prosperity, pomegranates for bounty, beet to beat back our enemies, leeks so we don't lack luck.
Find someone who has a shofar and have them blow it for you. Hearing a shofar often reaches a primal place and helps focus our attention on the seasonal theme of reflection and renewal.
Find a stream and do tashlich, symbolically throw your sins away by tossing some crumbs to the water. There may be a community service that you can join without synagogue membership or on the weekend.
Sit down with friends and family and reflect on the year that has been. Think about what you would like to change and what you are hoping for and will do in the year to come. This reflection is called cheshbon nefesh, accounting of the soul.
Find time to volunteer. Tzedakah, justice making, either in the form of volunteering or donations of money are said to help usher in a good year. Take time to make the world a better place.
Pray on your own. Maybe community prayer is hard or does not take place in/at a way that works for you. SO go hiking head to the beach sit on your couch. Talk to God, use the liturgy or the words of your heart. It might be uncomfortable but it may also surprise you.
Make amends. We have all done things in the past year which we should have done better. Sit down with those who you have wronged and work on your relationship. It might not be easy but it is important work.
Call/write/spend time with those who mean a great deal to you. Make time for deep and meaningful conversations and connection not just the regular 'fun.' Discuss values and priorities, ask them what has inspired them in the past year.
Make a commitment to find your way to your own deeper and more meaningful Jewish by reading a book or series of articles about Judaism. Or even making a plan for getting involved on your own terms.
However you do it, may 5780 be a Shannah Tova U'mitukah, may #RoshHashanah begin a sweet and good year for all.
