Autumn. The word itself elicits images of nesting, comfort, and all the cozy feels. We slow down, both in our lives and in our cooking. It’s a time when our thoughts of food transition from the bright freshness of summer to the warm heartiness of harvest. The immediacy of tossed-together salads and quick-grilled proteins transform into deep roasted vegetables and slowly braised meats. It’s a time to reflect, appreciate, and harvest all the beautiful feelings which have ripened over the summer.

On our plate, bright new potatoes mature, becoming deeply caramelized sweet potatoes. Herbed chicken breasts mellow into slow-roasted turkey. Everything about Autumn celebrates the patience of waiting for the last falling leaves and the promise of comforting fare.

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In uncertain times, we rely on tradition and the natural rhythms of life to provide meaning and stability. While the current challenges we face are real, we need to remember they are temporary. We are part of a larger whole—a long continuum—which provides perspective and comfort. Celebrating holidays helps us to stay connected to this whole, and helps us navigate difficult times.

Yom Kippur marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Awe. In the Jewish tradition, this is a period of introspection and repentance. It follows the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah, and is the time when God decides each person’s fate. It’s a time when Jews are encouraged to ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year and make amends. It’s a time of fasting followed by a “breaking of the fast” meal.

Catering by Michaels is humbled to be a part of your Yom Kippur observances.

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Even COVID cannot derail the rhythm of life or the traditions which celebrate it. As summer naturally gives way to autumn, we give a thought to endings, beginning, and cycles. This is what Rosh Hashanah is all about.

Rosh Hashanah History

Rosh Hashanah, The Jewish New Year, begins in autumn and marks the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. It serves as the first two days of the period marking our first sin and subsequent repentance. This 10 day period of prayer, repentance, and charity is known as Aseret Yemei Teshuvah. or The Ten Days of Repentance. The Ten Days of Repentance end in celebration with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

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Fathers and daughters. Fathers and sons. Fathers and their non-binary children. They all share a special bond celebrated every day of the year, but especially on Father’s Day. In these times of COVID reduction and social renaissance, it’s the perfect opportunity to shed our masks, hug our fathers, and gather to show dad why he is special.

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Growing up Easter was always one of the most special days of the year.  My sister and I would wake up at the crack of dawn to see big, beautiful baskets stuffed with green plastic grass, overflowing with candies and toys, all courtesy of the Easter Bunny.  The carrots we left out for a late-night bunny treat would be so carefully gnawed on and we would be tickled to see our treasures.  We would put on our frilly dresses and head to church all in anticipation of what we knew was waiting for us after mass.  Year after year, we would celebrate the holiday at my Nana’s house.  She would put together the most beautiful Easter buffet complete with so many Italian favorites and what seemed like endless desserts!  After lunch, we would partake in the annual Easter egg hunt.  My Nana would hide hundreds of eggs outside in her yard which was made for such an event and we would all scurry to fill our baskets. My Uncle Veto would follow around with his video camera catching the smiles on our faces as we found the eggs under leaves, in trees, and my personal favorite – in the rain gutters!  The whole holiday was straight out of a storybook.

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