I dedicate this blog to the memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a true champion of justice and women, who died on the eve of the Jewish New Year 5781.

Perhaps you have experienced what I have; that at times the months since COVID has changed our lives seems like years. Many hopes and dreams have been squashed and normal living has has been seriously altered. 2020 has been filled with feelings of shock, grief, fear, anger and anxiety. People have felt out of control in having to make necessary changes in their daily routine confronted by an ever-changing landscape of facts and fiction as well as an overwhelming need to follow every bit of published or televised news.

And yet many have discovered benefits and feelings of gratitude during this challenging time. I know I have. I’ve had more time to reflect.

Calendars may mark dates but holidays are benchmarks. Knowing this Jewish New Year may not be your custom or practice, perhaps, however, it’s not too early (as it has felt like years and not months since January 1) to reflect anyway. I encourage you to look at two important questions during this week, recommended by my rabbi.

1 - What do I regret ?

2 - What do I hope to do (accomplish ) in the coming year?

I share the sentiments of my friend Jane’s New Year’s greeting, “It’s been quite a year! Yet, so much to be thankful for. Wishing you good health, happiness and a bright 5781. Freedom to hug, freedom to travel, freedom to have a safe election, freedom to go to real school, freedom for those who do not have enough to eat, freedom for all oppressed people.”

-Harriet