It has been nearly a year since the events of October 7, when the world seemed to spiral into chaos.
Lisa Kogan, an author and speechwriter, reflects on her experiences in her upcoming book, “On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates.” Although she no longer believes in God, she still finds solace in celebrating Rosh Hashanah. The traditions bring her joy, from setting the table with cloth napkins and flowers to sharing delicious foods like pomegranates and challah. She appreciates the little moments, such as her dog’s antics at the dinner table and her husband’s gentle nudges for guests to put away their phones.
Each year, they partake in a unique ritual of writing down their sorrows from the past year before shredding the list into confetti, a symbolic act of letting go. As they dip apples into honey, they reminisce and question where the time has gone.
Kogan reflects on the past year, marked by violence and turmoil, especially the devastating attack by Hamas, which left a lasting impact on the Jewish community. She thinks about her mother and their shared resilience, recalling how her mom would engage with children in meaningful ways and offer support to those in pain.
As she prepares for the evening gathering, cleaning and setting the table, Kogan draws strength from her mother’s ability to address fear with clarity and kindness. Knowing her guests will arrive soon, she ensures there is ample wine to share.
The gathering spans generations, uniting people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, all eager to bid farewell to the year 5784 on the Jewish calendar. On Wednesday at sundown, they will light candles and recite prayers, reflecting on the passage of time and cherished memories of loved ones who are no longer with them. As the evening progresses, friends and family will share stories, enjoy each other’s company, and contemplate the future ahead.