I’m writing this personal note in the press box as I wait for Grant to finish his 49ers grades before we drive home. I’m not working Monday because it’s Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Actually, it became Rosh Hashanah tonight at dusk but I’m here writing, so there are many contradictions in what I do. When I was a kid, my family always celebrated the Jewish New Year. We didn’t go to synagogue although we were members of an orthodox synagogue in Brooklyn. The five of us stayed in the house, stayed together and talked and ate. It was a day to be together and to contemplate who we were and where we were going.
As an active adult I almost always worked on the Jewish New Year. I was always busy. But the last few years I felt guilty about it. I don’t know why. I imagined my dad staring at me sternly from wherever he is in the afterlife. I imagined him disappointed in me. Now I am an old guy and I want to honor my dad and tradition, so I’m staying home Monday and I’m not writing a follow-up column about the Niners or Raiders. They can live without me and I want to feel virtuous, or something like that.
Brandon Conway
Good for you, Lowell. I know jobs can often conflict with personal life, but its always a good thing to put work in its proper perspective when it comes to one’s life. Enjoy the day.
September 16th, 2012 11:32 pm
CohnZohn
Thanks,Brandon Conway
September 16th, 2012 11:47 pm
UNC89
Shanah tovah!
September 17th, 2012 12:20 am
Stan
Fine with me. I want to join a religion where everyday is Rosh Hashana. Then when I rake or sweep in front of the old home.Neighbors everywhere will admire “That hard working man!” That’s me.
September 17th, 2012 8:30 am
Stan
Is this blog work? One mans work is another’s fun blog.
September 17th, 2012 8:31 am
Steve
My family did go to synagogue and observed the Jewish Holidays, but I outgrew organized religion at a pretty early age and stopped participating in any facet once I left the nest. Strangely, however, many years later when my mother passed away I felt it important to light the Yahrzeit candle and recite the prayer every year and to also observe and recite Yizkor. Can’t explain it.
September 17th, 2012 10:48 am
CohnZohn
Steve, Your history exactly parallels mine. My dad’s Yahrzeit is coming up soon.
September 17th, 2012 10:53 am