A New Apple, A New Year-3 weeks to the Honey!
Dear Friends,
We are three weeks away from the High Holy Days and here is a wonderful story that shines light on the new year:
Every Rosh Hashana, little Miriam and her Zayde had the same tradition: they’d walk together to the corner fruit stand to pick the “perfect apple” for dipping in honey. This year, Miriam frowned at the rows of apples. “Zayde, they all look the same. How will we find the perfect one?”
Zayde smiled and ran his hand along the shiny fruit. “Ah, mein kinde, that’s the beauty of Rosh Hashana. Every year, we look for something new — not because last year was bad, but because life is sweeter when you give it a fresh taste.” He held up a plump apple, its skin blushing red. “You see, we’re like these apples. Maybe a little bruised from the year before, maybe not as shiny in some spots. But with a little honey —a little kindness — we’re ready to begin again.”
They paid the grocer, who wished them Shana Tova. As they walked home, Zayde chuckled. “Remember what my bubbe used to say: ‘Mit a bissel ziseh, kann men ois-halten di saureh’ — ‘With a little sweetness, you can get through the sour.’”
That night, Miriam took the first bite of the apple, honey dripping down her chin, and she understood: renewal wasn’t about starting over from nothing — it was about making room for sweetness to flow in again.
Join us for High Holy Days 5787, Saturday Morning, September 12, 2026 at Bayit Shelanu and our Synagogue by the Sea. Yes, with music, prayer, creative stories, including Chelm, and, of course, with apples and honey, we will renew ourselves and our community.
Go here today for in-person tickets or to register for our LiveStream. Spread the word!
Shabbat Shalom, Jan
