The orange glow of the sun setting on the horizon is something to witness. The reds and yellows giving off their final streak alongside with the pinks and purples clashing with the night sky, bringing closure to the long work day. Its truly the only time that I can have time to sit down and relax.
However, the calmness of the evening is interrupted by the majestic sound of the shofar. In honor of the passing of Shimon Peres, the former President of Israel, the Israeli national anthem, "Hatikvah" which means "The Hope", is played. Every time I hear the lyrics, especially in its native Hebrew, its so calming and gives a sense of comfort and undoubtedly, hope. The lyrics go as this.
As long as in the heart, within,
A Jewish soul still yearns,
And onward, towards the ends of the east,
An eye still gazes toward Zion;
Our hope is not yet lost,
The hope two thousand years old,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.
I'm at the entrance of my temple in Harlingen, celebrating the arrival of the Jewish New Year. (the Jewish calendar is based off the lunar cycle) Before leaving, I get my Star of David necklace that hangs off my TV. The necklace originally belonged to my cousin, but I won it from him through a game of basketball when I was in the fifth grade. The rabbi, clothed in the tallit, reminds the congregation that the High Holy Days are around the corner and that we are to try to live our lives by what God would approve of. As soon as the service wrapped up, the entire congregation moves to the kitchen and the television set is tuned into the vice presidential debate on MSNBC. As soon as the VPs names were annouced, there were cheers and boos. The platter of apples dipped in honey, challah bread and cups of grape juice were passed around as everyone was watching the debate. The delicate taste of honey felt so good, alongside with the bread was so delicious.
During the festivities, you hear New Year greetings in English and in Hebrew, with people reciprocating. It was a good night to enjoy time with family and friends.
