It’s just nearly sundown on Erev Rosh Hashanah and all I keep thinking about is where I was one year ago. This will be my first Rosh Hashanah with my family in over four years. I woke up this morning to the delicious smells of my mothers cooking. I spent an hour helping my Dad prep holiday materials in our Synagogue. Our home has been cleaned and decorated. All of this seems a world away from a crazy Rickshaw ride to find Ohel David Synagogue, known to the Pune locals as ‘Lal Davel’ (Red Synagogue) a year ago. The Jews of India welcomed me and it was a privilege to welcome in 5772 with them. As this year comes to a close I thank them for opening a new dimension of Judaism for me, what I gained from them will only continue to built upon in 5773. L’Shannah Tovah! Have a happy and healthy new year!

An article from the Pune DNA - Wednesday, September 28, 2011