We’ve just about caught our breath from Rosh Hashanah, so that must mean Yom Kippur is almost upon us. I can’t say I look forward to Yom Kippur in the same way I looked forward to Rosh Hashanah or Sukkot (which follows on the heels of Yom Kippur — autumn’s a crazy season when it comes to Jewish holidays). Fasting is not my favorite way to spend a day; they ought to call it “slowing.” (Dear self: That is probably the point of the exercise.) Oh well, I won’t dwell on it for now, as we still have some time until our last big glass of water before sundown on Friday.

My very first round braided challah was not an abject failure!

Last week, we welcomed 5774 together with friends and family. Our table was full (as were our bellies, in due time) and our home rang with laughter and conversation. The food was pretty tasty, too, if I do say so myself. I’m particularly pleased to note that my first-ever round braided challah came out looking far better than my bread fail a few weeks back. One of our fellow Jewish military families included an eleven-month-old boy who made me feel like a culinary genius by completely devouring my homemade hummus. Of course, I’m still finding places where he smeared it as he ran around trying to steal our coasters, but that just makes me smile while — let’s be real — I reach for the disinfecting wipes.

My husband snapped a quick picture of our (mostly) set table.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience. After everyone went home and the dishes were… well, at least started, Sampson and I started talking about the next time we could do something like this. For a couple of introverts like us, that kind of excitement is no small emotional leap. Rabbi Ruth Adar, the “Coffee Shop Rabbi,” has dared us to embrace the mitzvah of hospitality. I think we’re off to a good start this year. Here’s to keeping up our commitment even after this season of fresh starts is behind us.

G’mar chatima tova — may you be sealed in the Book of Life for a good year!