Louise Haight
By Louise Haight
Autumn has made its grand entrance ushering in not just refreshing cooler breezes and much crisper air to the delight of many, but it was 45 degrees this morning, and I’m so grateful I traded light summer pj’s for toasty warm ones, and even a super-hot cup of wake-up coffee couldn’t thaw my aching bones to life.
On the bright side, this is a season of stunning beauty when it straightens itself out, and I love bringing my warmer wraps out from deep in the closet and simply cozying up to the inevitable dropping temperatures. So, smile when you say goodbye to summer and its heart-warming memories, because a new season is opening its arms to welcome us with inspiration and hope and just feel-good activities.
Apples, apples and more apples, and the orchards are many and mighty and calling you to go and have a day of fun with the kids. Our valley is blessed with farms, to choose your favorite pumpkin that comes in all sizes and to get lost stumbling through huge corn mazes or climbing on bales of hay (wear long sleeves and jeans ‘cause they’re itchy). And what farm doesn’t have refreshing apple cider, spicy pumpkin muffins, and delicious apple cider doughnuts, and now I’m smiling. Welcome, October!
The Jewish High Holidays begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, also known as the Day of Remembrance, which is celebrated for two days and marks the beginning of a ten-day period of self-examination and repentance. This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown, September 25, and ends on the tenth day with Yom Kippur, October 4, the Day of Atonement. This is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar and the most solemn day of the year for devout Jews.
The holiday begins with the sounding of the shofar or ram’s horn, which serves to call the faithful to penitence. These rituals help Jews to stay connected with their dear families, rich faith, culture and history. On the Eve of Rosh Hashanah, after the recital of the Kiddush or sanctification prayer, and the lighting of candles, the festive meal is shared with blessings over sweet wine and a round challah. The tradition most familiar to Rosh Hashanah is dipping apple slices into honey, and people say, “May it be God’s will to grant us a good and sweet year.”
At the end of Yom Kippur on the Day of Atonement, the shofar is sounded again, marking the end of the holiday period. The dawn of a new day, of a new year, means the dawn of a new life. Wishing our Jewish friends happy blessings today and many more, as each new tomorrow comes.
Newburgh Free Library-Town Branch in the Newburgh Mall invites you to join librarian Patty Sussmann at her Tuesdays at Two Book Discussion, in the Mall, Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 2 – 3:30 p.m., for a book discussion of “The Feather Thief,” by Kirk Wallace Johnson. This is an exciting story of beauty, obsession and the Natural History Heist of the Century. Registration is encouraged: newburghlibrary.libcal.com. Copies of the book are available at the Town Branch.