Thursday, September 29, 2011

The funniest Rosh Hashanah story you'll read today

So every year on Rosh Hashanah I reflect. I reflect back on the year and how far we've come. How our lives have changed. Some things are good. Some are bad. I cast off my bad memories and cherish the good ones. But every year I reflect on the funniest Rosh Hashanah moment I have ever experienced.
Our lives were confusing at the time. Rosh Hashanah had come early that year. So our daughter was just 2 years old. We had been living in San Diego for less than a year, my husband was laid off, things weren't easy. But instead of skipping on the idea of taking Evelyn to Rosh Hashanah services I stepped up and got us all dressed and ready to go. It wasn't easy knowing that I would know nobody at the Chabad of La Costa, but I figured if there was one place that would accept a mother and child it would be the place.
We got there and were greeted to the women's side of the Shul by several older ladies. I parked the stroller outside and walked in with Evelyn. We were given a seat in the middle of the aisle into the tiny Shul. But we were grateful for the ladies welcoming us, and greeting Evelyn and myself.
We did pretty well.... Until the Rabbi opened the arc to reveal the Torah dressed in the finest coverings. Covered in silver and beautiful white cloth. This is when my daughter started singing "YO HO YO HO A PIRATES LIFE FOR ME!" at the top of her lungs pointing to the Torah. I tried to quickly shush her... as the ladies stared at me aghast and confused.  I smiled and tried to whisper to Evelyn that we weren't at Disneyland.... but this just wasn't the best explanation for her.  She kept humming the tune while the rabbi lifted and carried the Torah around.

We packed up and left Shul not long after this.... I never returned to the Chabad of La Costa for fear that I had insulted the patrons.

So L'Shanah Tova friends.... When you see Rosh Hashanah on the calendar may you reflect on the happy memories of your year.... and remember this story to make you smile.

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