Words with Merle

As the Jewish New Year comes upon us, so many thoughts and ideas of our past year come to light. Did we succeed in all the goals and priorities we set forth last autumn? Did we face new obstacles and challenges, allowing our ability of self-growth to develop? Have we created new bonds and faced new losses? Rosh Hashanah, and in particular, Yom Kippur, is a time to turn our thoughts inward to the privacy of our personal lives. Our sacred agenda with G-d and our human heart is so complex that it is beyond our grasp to understand. But yet too simple, as our heart knows exactly what this time of year requires. This time of year perpetuates our minds and hearts into a state of worry and hope. By default, we worry about our children and grandchildren as our children worry about us. But with each day, we must hold strong and remember that while worry is a natural emotion, it often propels us into an endless cycle of doubt.  For a moment, let's set aside worry and grasp this past year with...