Posted on in Family, Gratitude, HOLIDAYS, Time, two moms, Uncategorized, Wordpress

Happy New Year, from the Jewish Atheist!

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.

Hi Mom and Dad,
It’s been a long time, and I want you both to know that I have been thinking about you and hope you are well. Today’s world is filled with so much chaos – thought perhaps we could all use a little peace. Peace is good.
xo
L
And I hit send. In a very short time after, I received this:
Dear Lisa,   We too have been thinking about you on a daily basis for a long time.  Mom got up this morning and told me she had a dream about you last night. She does not remember the dream-all she remembers is she hugged you.  Yes, it has been too long. Let’s not waste any more precious time. We love you.  Mom and Dad
The ganseh mishpocheh (the whole family) has grown. The gift of nachas (joy). ❤
Yiddish Proverb:
When things go right, you become rich. Ven es gait gleich, vert men reich.
A bie gezunt. As long as you’re healthy… And, go call your mother!

74 thoughts on “Happy New Year, from the Jewish Atheist!”

  1. 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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  4. 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

    Liked by 1 person

  8. 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. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  13. 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

    Liked by 1 person

  17. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. #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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      2. 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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  21. Pingback: Bloggers #DreamTeam Linky 124 - Navigating Baby

  22. 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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    1. 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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    3. 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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  23. 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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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

      Liked by 1 person

  33. 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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