For the first time in too many years, I’m celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, with family in New York. Naturally, this involves doing a bit of research into the meaning of the holiday. I found an interesting op/ed in the Los Angeles Times about “Shmita,” a Jewish custom that occurs every 7 years (and begins today) that commands that the land of Israel lay fallow. “The seventh year shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sabbath unto the Lord; thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.”

I am not, and have never been, religious. Our celebrations, when we have them, are all about food and family, not belief. But the idea of Shmita, after the last two hurricanes, wildfires, and the United Nations report on climate change, resonated; that we are beyond the time of individual efforts and must react as a society to slow global warming. If you’d like to read the op/ed, “This Rosh Hashanah, Give Earth a Sabbatical,” click the link below.

And this year, I made a savory noodle kugel with caramelized onions instead of the traditional heavy and sweet dairy variety. It’s a great side dish! Link below. And to those that celebrate, Shanah Tovah!

Love,

Erica

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