Even at the atm machine

Growing up Rosh Hashanah always felt like a holiday that came at an inconvenient time. It was at the beginning of a school year and things just felt like they were getting started when all of the sudden there was Rosh Hashanah and I needed to make allowances for this two-day holiday. This year Rosh Hashanah made sense. Instead of me working around the Jewish calendar year, everything just stops and people have the chance to truly celebrate the new year

Like most holidays, Rosh Hashanah has its commercial side to it. A few weeks before the holiday you will find food on sale in the supermarket that is typically eaten and commercials on the radio. Everyone wishes each other "shanah tova" (happy new year) and ask where you are spending the holiday. Even the atm machine said Shanah Tova when I took out money the day before the holiday.

Just like Shabbat, everyone celebrates the holiday differently. The religious go to services while the secular just get together to have a big meal. Like almost all holidays, Rosh Hashanah is more about being together with family and friends than anything else. While I was sad that my family would not be all together this year, I was fortunate to be with good friends who made sure that I would not feel alone. I even went to synagogue (but only for a short while).

It is nice to be in a country where I don't have to change my lifestyle because of my religion, regardless of how I chose to practice it. You know that when the ATM machine wishes you a happy new year, you have found your place.