(Almost) A New Year

This morning I prayed the Amidah, and an incredible feeling came over me.

I got to the Blessing of the Year:


Bless for us, L-rd our G‑d, this year and all the varieties of its produce for good; and bestow (During the summer season say:) blessing (During the winter season say: dew and rain for blessing) upon the face of the earth. Satisfy us from Your bounty and bless our year like other good years, for blessing; for You are a generous G‑d who bestows goodness and blesses the years. Blessed are You L-rd, who blesses the years.


You see, the Jewish year 5772 ends today at sundown, when the shofar sounds during the evening Rosh Hashanah service that the Gates of Heaven open up for the High Holy Days.  Only a few hours left of "this year".  And yet, let us bless this year -- even now -- let us welcome the bounty and blessing that can come even in these next few hours.  Even as this year fades, let us be open to all the varieties of its produce as they are bestowed upon us by our generous G*d.

Shanah Tovah!