The Jewish New Year, one of six high holy days in the Hebrew calendar begins at sundown on Sunday, Sept. 25. Rosh Hashanah commemorates God’s creation of the universe or, more informally, Adam and Eve’s birthday. In addition to religious services, many family and friends will gather around the dinner table to celebrate.
The Rosh Hashanah table is traditionally festooned with candles, wine and a raisin studded challah and in many households, “the good dishes” (AKA “Grandma’s china”) which are hauled out to make the evening more meaningful. Remembering my grandmother’s table got me thinking about preparing ours for the upcoming holiday.
My husband, Larry and I will be hosting Rosh in our house with our son, daughter-in-law and two year old granddaughter who (to our great joy) recently moved nearby–A party of five. Naturally I want the evening to be a success, but since we moved to Easton 18 years ago, our dining room table has been a serious impediment. The gate legs which support the leaves of the table top are close together cramping everyone’s legs and causing more than a few bruised knee caps. A change has been long overdue.
What to do?
I gave Craig’s list a shot and scrolled for less than a minute when, lo and behold, there was a holiday miracle: an affordable walnut table with four sturdy legs for sale in Greenwich! I contacted Alex who answered with a friendly note. Yes, the table was available. A brief interjection: Like many others, I love the hunt for items with previous lives. Everything from yard sale vintage clothes to rescue dogs. Very few pieces of furniture in our house came from an actual store.
The moment I saw the table in Alex’ dad’s garage, it was a coup de foudre—love at first sight. The table was delivered and after seeing it in its new space, we returned to Alex’ dad’s house to buy the companion chairs, which we should have bought in the first place. The ensemble looks great.
So this Rosh Hashanah we will have leg room and yes, I’ll put out the good dishes which have sat idle for quite a few years.
All of us at the Courier wish Rosh Hashanah celebrants and people of all faiths a happy birthday Sunday dinner. After all, without Adam and Eve we all might not be here…
L’shana Tova! Sweet New Year!
Photo by Jane Paley of featuring symbols of hope for a sweet new year ahead.
