This year was very challenging, so glimmers were of everyday occurrences and recollections of the past… bringing love, light, gratitude, and learning to my life. Hope and trust that I have the resources to skillfully meet disappointments and losses, my sweet Bichon, Jesse, who died at the start of the Jewish New Year and my other Jamie, Bichon, who has health issues. Being able to hold profound love and grief in my heart at the same time… Glimmers… my eyes taking in the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, viewing photos of my mother, Gladys, who died 7 years ago, and my beautiful boys, the Jersey boys (they are from New Jersey). Listening to Jewish music, especially Kol B’Seder’s version of Shalom Rav, uplifting yet brought tears. In 5785, my intention is to cherish each day, to trust, to be a source of love and light, to have a grateful heart, and to learn from everything, everyone.

-Judy Itzkowitz