It is now 13:30 in Jerusalem and Rosh Hashanah begins in a just few hours. I can tell from my bedroom window that the city is preparing for the Holy Day now even more so than over the past month.
While I have not posted this before, there has been a growing awareness of the time of year that is palpable on the streets. The people have been even friendlier since the beginning of the month of Elul (This month on the Hebrew calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. Rosh Hashanah begins on the 1st of Tishrei, which starts at sundown tonight.). They have also been a little more introspective due to the nature of the holiday and its significance in Jewish life.
Sitting here I can hear that the city has slowed down. There is only occasional road traffic down the main street here, and it has been diminishing all day. The sound of silence is starting to drape the city.
Even from here, a more secular part of the city, I can hear the sound of the Shofar as people practice for services this evening. I can also hear people singing snippets of some of the traditional melodies that I know, and also some that I do not. I can only imagine what the feeling is at the Western Wall today. I will try to get there but do not know if I will be able to due to my own travel schedule. (Baring any major issues, I WILL get there on Yom Kippur assuming that I will be here for that and not at a settlement.)
I am looking forward to services at the settlement with great anticipation of hearing new melodies, and hopefully some that I can join in with.
This promises to be a very special Rosh Hashanah indeed.
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