Sunday, September 4, 2016

#BlogElul: Act


August 17 marked 44 years since we Hermans moved into our beloved house at 12 Webster Road in Somerset.

In the days that followed, Amy and I met the neighborhood kids – the Clancys, the Toths, the Wards, the Kellys, the Bouridimoses, and the Luftglasses – and joined them in the bike-riding, game-playing escapades that would define much of the rest of our childhood.

By the end of the month, I’d already been invited to Susan Luftglass’ 9th birthday party. Today is 44 years since that pool party, and I have never forgotten her birthday or her gracious act to include me -- the new kid on the block -- in her celebration.

Of course we all miss the mark from time to time, but when we do, may acts like Susan’s – with their decades-long staying power – help balance the ledgers within our souls.

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima, this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precedes the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serves as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year.