The Jewish Holidays… whenever the kinder (kids) ask about them, usually, historically, the answer is, “Some group of people hated us [Jews], so we ran, and through some miraculous, super-hero-like mumbo-jumbo maneuvers, we made it, we survived, and so, we ate!” Ess a bissel. Eat a little! Nu? Jewish history in a nutshell.
Please know if you are new to this site, or even if you are a regular I love you both I may throw in some beautiful, robust Yiddish language to better turn a phrase, and yes, I was raised Jewish, I do have serious doubts about all organized religion the man behind the curtain, and tend to live more on the side of humanism. But this is not the slippery slope we are headed down on this day. Don’t get me started…
L’Shana Tova. Rosh Hashana. Happy New Year! This, I can revel in! For Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, is a time of reflection usually with a nice brisket, some noodle kugel, and apples, all drenched in the sweetness of honey, creativity, thoughtfulness, and questioning about any and every thing around. Well, that is just another day around here. This is behavior (hopefully) we all do every day, as people on this planet. This process of inquiry and self-examination is what goes on in my head each night as I lay in bed, thinking over the day, and listening to the soft hum of the maideleh’s gay shluffen (sweet girls sleeping).
No question, I’ve been reflective, and that reflection quite coincidentally has led up to this holiday, this New Year. Tsuris (troubles)? We all have our fair share. Time? We are all racing against the clock of inevitability. Some days the tick-tock is louder than others. Some days, it is rather deafening.
Yiddish Proverb:
In a quarrel, leave the door open for reconciliation. Az da krigst zikh, krig zikh azoi du zolst zikh kennen iberbeten.
I am an adult most, well, a good majority of the time and I am in control of my thoughts, my behaviors, my actions. So, to continue in my daily efforts to lead a life of compassion, empathy, and mindfulness, and to raise good kinder who are always listening, always watching and learning, I made a very big move to change things. To heal.
Yiddish Proverb:When things go right, you become rich. Ven es gait gleich, vert men reich.

I think it’s great to be reflective every step of the way but I think religious festivals make us even more aware and we sit back and contemplate our lives #TriumphantTales
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Perhaps you are correct! And it was not a coincidence. I am open to that too! Thanks for reading! #TriumphantTales xo
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Good news Lisa. Reconciliation is a nice word. It captures a lot. Good luck
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Thank you, Enda. It feels very good.
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Beautiful.
And a happy new year from one Jewish atheist to another.
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Brilliant! Happy right back at ya, Ellen!
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Hi Lisa,
And a Happy NewYear to you all too!
I met up with your parents the other day by coincidence.
I can tell you that I saw delight and great relief in their tear-filled eyes as they spoke about you reaching out to contact them. This thoughtful gesture is a welcome relief to your whole family and it will change the course of your relationship with them.
Forgiveness and reconciliation is the best possible way to start the New Year!
Love, Rennie
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Happy New Year, Rennie! It’s so nice to hear from you. Thank you for you take on this. It’s a mitzvah all around. Big hugs! 😘
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Happy New Year! I love the proverb In a quarrel, leave the door open for reconciliation. I’d not heard that before. #DreamTeam
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That’s why Yiddish is so much fun! Thank you! #dreamteam 😘
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Sometimes making the first step is incredibly hard, so well done for making that move. Fingers crossed it’s onwards and upwards from here. That’s humanism in action right there.
Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub
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We are in our way for sure. Thank you! #coolmumclub 😘❤️
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I am somewhere between Jewish and atheist….not sure where! so I really enjoyed reading this post Lisa – shana tova whatever we are and thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub x
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Shana Tova right back at you! ☺️😘 #coolmumclub xo
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I always admired that other religions had different traditions. My husband had worked for a company owned by a Jewish man and they had separate kitchen appliances, a set for Kosher items, and one for non Kosher items. I couldn’t tell you what the holidays were, but my husband would be let out of work earlier on some days because the owner would need daylight to make it home because no electronic lights were supposed to be on at that time. I know that Christians have Christmas and Easter, but many of us don’t observe the religious holidays or traditions the same way that other religions do. I don’t know if we miss out on something or if because of that, we don’t get burned out.
I’m glad you were able to reconcile with your parents. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Brittany! It is going along quite well got us all. 💜☺️💜
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Happy new year to you too#satsesh@_karendennis
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😘☺️
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Go hug both your parents if you can!! #thatsatsesh
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Thank you, sweetie! 🤗🤗🤗 #thesatsesh
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I think it’s good to reflect on the decisions we make. It’s how we learn and become stronger within ourselves.
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So very true. Thank you. 😘
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Sorry I forgot to #satsesh 🙂
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Ah Lisa reconciliation can be such a positive thing , time is so so short. I recently reconnected with an aunt and really all that distance for so long had helped no one !! #blogcrush
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It really is a good thing! You gotta open that window to get the fresh air! xoxo #blogcrush xo
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Love the sentiments. Life is short and forgiveness or reconciliation heals us too. As ever thanks for being on the #DreamTeam
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Thank you for you support! The outpouring of love and good wishes is so helpful! #dreamteam xxoo
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I love that Yiddish proverb. Reconciliation is good. Life is too short to harbour grudges.
#GlobalBlogging
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It certainly is! Thank you, lovely! #globalblogging xo
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And a Happy New Year again, Lisa, this time from #GlobalBlogging!
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As someone who has recently cut ties with their mum, this is lovely that you had such a welcoming response. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my circumstances as it now appears from social media stalking that she is only in contact with 1 of 4 of her kids and whether she see her other grandchildren isn’t clear – which of course isn’t a good sign.
Perhaps she will see the error of her ways and a reconciliation will happen before its too late. Happy Rosh Hashana from one athiest Jew to another =] Now where are those apples and honey!
Thank you for sharing this with us at #TriumphantTales. I hope to see you back tomorrow!
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Happy, Healthy to you and yours! There are a lot of atheist Jews, I am finding! 🙂 This took decades, btw. You and I should probably talk… M’wah, Lianne! ❤ #triumphanttales xo
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How beautiful and brave. I’m very impressed and what a wonderful lesson to your children x
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They do pick up everything…. Thank you lovely! xo
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It is a good thing all around. Thank you 😊😘❤️
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well done on opening that door, I hope it allows in much happiness and peace for you all. Rosh Hashana x
#mixitup
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It alsready has! Thank you, RaisyBay! xoxo M’wah!
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Thank you! It’s been all wonderful so far. The happiness in their voices means a lot. #mixitup 😘💜
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#thesatsesh I imagine that you talk as you write Lisa – do you? wise words at the end – always call your mother, i never miss a day. She’s also become more vital to me since I became a mother, its a intricate relationship and I’m so very grateful to her. Happy New Year jewish babe x
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I actually type like I think, and talk more normally. I guess I’m an old Jewish woman inside! ❤ Thank you, Lovely! #thesatsesh xoxo
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Do you think Jewish inside?
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Great question! I guess I do. For me, being Jewish is all about culture and family. A feeling of warmth and love and added sarcasm around the kitchen table. That part I love. It’s the world around us and the bad things that happen to good people that make me question. My line to the big G was never a good one. Xo
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Wow! Thank you so very much, lovely #dreamteam -ers! xoxo
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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’m kvelling! ☺️😊🙃😘
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i do like reading your blogs, Lisa. I’m an Atheist Jew, who frowns on all religion. I live a humanist life I think. my mum is an agnostic Jew. My dad is a devout Atheist Jew who gre up in an abusive religious household. both parents pretended to follow when their parents were around and our upbringing was a confusion of situations eg: guiltily celebrating Christmas but pretending we didn’t . Anyay, I was just thinking of calling my mum. i often think it but rarely do., but i’m picking up the phone right now xxx #mixitup
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Wow! There are so many of us out there with similar feelings. I had no idea. How did your call go? My parents have really been quite wonderful since or reconnecting. I can hear the happiness in their voices. Love and hugs to you, and of course, happy healthy! 🤗😘💕
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A bit more… it’s hard to believe in any religion if you believe in science. Oy!
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Did you get my reply? It may have disappeared?
Thank you for your comments and heartfelt truths. There are so many more of us ‘wandering/wondering’ Jews. I hope you made that call and I hope it went well, or at least okay. Know there is support right here for you. 😘 xo #mixitup
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Happy new year! I see my mum every day and anticipate I’ll be seeing my dad every day when he retires next year! I love the proverbs and sayings you include in your posts. Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
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Thank you for your comments! I love linking up with you all too! 😘☺️ #stayclassymama
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Happy new year and love to you and your family X #bigpinklink
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Thank you, Sam! Mwah my friend! ☺️🤗 #bigpinklink
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This is so great Lisa. It totally paid off to make the first move. There is no one like our mom and dad. I never go a day without talking to them. Thank you for sharing with #stayclassymama
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Thank you, Pat. It really has been wonderful all around. Beautifully unexpected results! #stayclassymama 😘 x
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What a lovely, simple but powerful post. Just press send… #kcacols
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Thank you, Carol! It’s been wonderful reconnecting 💕💕 #kcacols
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Lisa – I got really emotional reading the exchange between you and your parents. I am so pleased you reached out to them. It is so hard but reconciliation is so positive. Sending lots of love. Well done you. You are a super star xxx #thesatsesh
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Thank you, Hayley. It has been a long time since they cut ties, and I knew it was up to me if anything was to change. Amazing how the kinder lead me to the right path, teaching them to let go and move forward. It has been very healthy for us all, and I am thrilled to report my entire family, the Mrs and the kinder are accepted too. 💜💜💜 I’ve cried s lot too. Thank you for sharing that with me. If I could help anyone out there reconnect, that would be a plus. 😘💕 Mwah, and happy day!!! #thesatsesh
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That is so lovely to hear Lisa. You are a wonderful woman to make the first move to reach out after so long. I’m so pleased your loved ones have been made to feel welcome too. You certainly gave me food for thought on a few fronts. Much love xx
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Hayley, this time around, we are all doing much better! I’m thrilled I did it! 😘😘😘
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Nice post. And I’m glad you bridged your rift. Your opening paragragh is hilarious! Happy new year to you. And I too am a humanist, like my favourite writer, Mr Vonnegut.
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Thank you, Lydia ❤️💜 Humanist is the way to go! Happy healthy to you too! #kcacols
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#KCALCOLS
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That is so sweet! I just spent two weeks with my parents visiting and they already want to come back out… and I want them back here just as much! #GlobalBlogging
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Good stuff, Heather. Xox
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Happy New Year! What a fab post.
Thank you for linking up with #KCACOLS this week. Hope to see you again next week.
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Thank you Beth, and apologies for the delayed response. Is it me, or has everything been NUTS! #kcacols xoxo
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Oh this made me cry. I’m so happy for you and hope it is the start of a reconciliation that heals all of your hearts. A very belated #bigpinklink comment sorry!
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No worries Louise! I’m so behind, I’m buried! Thank you for your well wishes! We are doing okay. 💕💕 #bigpinklink 💕💕💕
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I was just reflecting on spending the Jewish New Year in Slovakia, with the only Holocaust survivor of a small town called Svaty Jur – now I stumbled across your blog…found a connection somehow.. thanks for posting it!
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Oh, thank you for finding me! May we both be happy, healthy, and lets add some prosperity too! Nu? xo
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Really Amazing !!! i would like to add to my bookmark. you surprise me. thank you for sharing !! Happy new year to you. 😘🙂
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Make magic happen this year! 😘☺️❤️
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