Musing on the eve of Coronation

Listening to the Pack n' Play's 'nature sounds' that just put my baby to sleep.

Noticing that I should be drinking more water.

Crossing off things on my to-do list, in my mind.

Regretting that I forgot to drop off my dry cleaning before the holiday, and now it's too late.

Wondering why it is warm again after it cooled off for a few days.

No, wait- why G-d made it warm again, after G-d cooled off Jerusalem for a few days. Reminding myself that weather is not an 'it'- it's G-d controlling my environment.

Reminding myself that Hashem is the King and we are coronating Him this Rosh Hashanah, and hopefully for every moment of our lives thereafter. 

Feeling satisfied with the laundry I did.

Stressing about the cleaning I haven't done yet.


Stressing about stressing, which I don't want to do anymore.

Checking on my baby that yes, she's still breathing and she's fine. 

Waiting to speak to my father when he calls back.

Wondering how my brother is doing in Uman.

Reflecting on what I have been given this year, which was determined last Rosh Hashana.

Marveling at what I different person I have become in one year.
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Thanking G-d for many things, including my friend Maya, without whom I'd never have chosen the pack n' play, which is providing me with these lovely nature sounds.

And for all of my friends, mentors, and neighbors.

And for my family.


And for my husband's family, who are now my family, too.


And for my belongings- for I truly have everything I need. 


And for my health- I feel better than I have in a very long time.


And for each passing day- each flying day- and the endless opportunities within each day for renewal, for return, for repairing what is broken and strengthening what is strong. 


Thank you, Hashem. 


May the poetry of our machzorim and the yearnings of our hearts be sweet to Your ears this year...


 May the peals of the shofar quake within each of us...

May it help us to reach the place inside of us that stretches up to you at all times...


May the hardness of our hearts crack and be replaced with 


                           Your 
                        unbounded
                            love.