Dear Shayna B.,

Every year on Rosh Hashanah, my family goes to Israel. I’m 10 and my sisters and brothers aren’t vaccinated and neither am I. Due to coronavirus, my parents don’t want us to go. Rosh Hashanah won’t be the same without the Kotel. Please help me enjoy Rosh Hashanah!

Signed,

Rosh Hashanah in Israel Rocks Ruby

Dear Rosh Hashanah in Israel Rocks Ruby,

You are completely correct. Rosh Hashanah won’t be the same, but that does not mean Rosh Hashanah will be bad. I am almost positive you felt very similarly about going to Israel when this tradition started. Any changes to your normal routine can be uncomfortable. I am sure when everything normalizes you will be able ro restart your Rosh Hashanah tradition in Israel, but for now, I think you should think of the positives of staying in America for the New Year. Finally, you can be home for the holidays, which is very relaxing. No packing and unpacking. Just a shower and you’re where you need to be. You probably have family here who’d be happy to be hosted or to host you for at least some meals. Seeing your baby cousin throw all his food on the floor is always funny. It’s a new experience for you to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in your hometown. Embrace the change! Of course you may not be able to be in Israel, but if you really need to travel, there’s always Chicago!

Best of luck,

Shayna B.

Last week’s word scramble is.. I Want To Be Neat and Tidy.

This weeks’s word scramble is…SROH NAHAHSH NI ARIEMAC ORKSC!

Shayna is a fifth grader and understands what kids in elementary school are going through. She is happy to help others navigate this tricky time. She can be reached at [email protected]. She is looking forward to hearing from you soon.