L’Shana Tova, For A Good Year 5773

Elena

http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday2.htm

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means,  literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is commonly  known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is  little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year,  and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game.

There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the  American one: Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life,  making “resolutions.” Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin  introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the  changes to make in the new year. More on this concept at Days of Awe.

For my family, I try to create an opportunity for all of us to remember the wonderful things we did this past year, and the things we did that, well, looking back, we should have made different choices.

We play a CD with the sound of the Shofar, a rams horn, that sounds the beginning of high holidays and begins the process of repentance.   I love this opportunity to really contemplate the past year.  The kids and I take croutons, throwing them into the pond, we “cast off our bad deeds”.

We pray G-d will forgive us, we pray to accept forgiveness from others, we remember to give to those in need.

 

Color me poor, according to Mitt Romney

MoonHowler

Mitt Romney feels that middle income is a lot above my pay grade.  On Good Morning America, my self image as a middle class person sort of dissolved.

Richmond Times Dispatch:

Mitt Romney is promising to reduce taxes on middle-income Americans.

But how does he define “middle-income”? The Republican presidential nominee defined it as income of $200,000 to $250,000 a year.

Romney commented during an interview broadcast today on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

The Census Bureau reported this week that the median household income — the midpoint for the nation — is just over $50,000.

We live in the 7th wealthiest county in the nation.  The median household income, according to the last census is $91,098. Notice the word household. that might imply more than one person earning that income.   I don’t think Mitt Romney understands me.  I thought I was doing ok for myself, especially being retired.  Now I think I am a loser.  I don’t have $200,000 coming in my house annually.  Maybe Mitt needs to do a little more studying of the American family if he wants to relate.

Does this alarm anyone else?