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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Family traditions are one of my favorite things – the rituals, the memories, the nostalgic feelings of family traditions provide me so much joy. I was raised in a Catholic family and we celebrated holidays in a big way. All the major holidays were big deals in my family and celebrated way more than birthdays, so holidays are super important to me. One of my favorite things about my husband is that he is Jewish, and I have spent the last 7 years not only getting to celebrate the major holidays I grew up with but also celebrating all the Jewish holidays. I was pretty familiar with Hanukkah and even Rosh Hashanah, but full disclosure, I knew nothing about Passover. I vividly remember going to my future brother and sister-in-law’s house for Passover the first time. I was super excited to attend and learn about all the traditions of Passover. I won’t lie – I was also intimidated because I was hosting Passover the second night to a big crowd, and somewhat terrified about that experience. Ok fine – I was more than terrified. I sat at the table soaking it all in, completely mesmerized by all the prayers, songs, new to me foods, the wine (so much wine), and all the traditions. I also fell even more in love with matzo ball soup that night.

My favorite Passover menu item!

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Engagement season is underway and we are loving all of your romantic proposals and engagement rings on our social media! But what comes after the champagne toasts and congratulations? Wedding planning, of course! It’s easy, right? Wedding planning with a full-time job and chores and errands…ok maybe it’s a big ask. That’s why we’re here to help! Here are some things to think about while planning your unique wedding:

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