Shalom to my Bnai Shalom family!
Happy (secular) New Year!
It is only a day on the calendar, but we put a lot into these annual milestones. A new year number, whether Hebrew, Gregorian or personal, means something to us. And yet, each day means something, too.
The 90th Psalm says, "Teach us to count our days, so that we may know and obtain a heart of wisdom." How do we count our days? By making each day count. Our lives may be busy and hectic, and the days may seem like they fly by, but there are still ways to appreciate the gift of today. Here are some ideas for you to try in the coming year:
• Cultivate gratitude. Jewish morning prayers begin with Modeh/Modah Ani, a prayer of gratitude. Find something you are grateful for each day.
• Be creative: Tap into the right side of your brain by writing, drawing/painting, doing hand crafts, cooking, or gardening.
• Read: Find time to read books or articles, both for pleasure and to expand your horizons.
• Connect with people: Spend time with family, friends and the people in your communities.
• Practice kindness: Perform g'milut chasadim, acts of loving-kindness, every day. It's easy to brighten someone's day with a smile, a kind word, or a small act of help.
• Keep moving: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, preferably one you enjoy!
• Give back: Volunteer at a nonprofit or find other ways to help make the world a better place.
• Look forward to tomorrow: Fill your calendar with things you love, not just things you have to do.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel once wrote, "Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed."
May you experience radical, phenomenal amazement in 2026!
Rabbi Adrienne :)
Rabbi@bnaishalomeaston.org
Cell Phone: 609-577-6842
SERVING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF EASTON SINCE 1839