Dear Friends and Family,

As we begin the New Year of 5773 with a clean slate (assuming our fasting and repentance was received), we must remember that there will be many times this year that we will fall, stumble, make a mistake, say something wrong… because we are imperfect human beings.  Our slates will be smeared again but it is important to keep moving in a positive direction even after we fall. Here is a wonderful video that spells it out: http://www.aish.com/h/hh/yom-kippur/stories/101461854.html

In just 40 days, US citizens (including my niece Eed, who this week became a US citizen) will be heading to the polls to cast our ballots.  Unfortunately, this right and privilege is taken for granted as only 57% of us actually voted in the last presidential election. We have the lowest voter turnout rate, by far, among other Western nations (Austria 92%, Italy 90%, Israel 80%). But of course, this doesn’t stop some who think we must make it MORE difficult to vote to prevent our NON-existent (.003%) voter fraud problem.  To learn more, please check out Sara Silverman‘s new video.  BUT, I must WARN you, she is frank, bold, sarcastic, volgar and humorous, but her message is on target, so don’t watch if you prefer NOT to hear the F word:  http://letmypeoplevote2012.com/ 

And keeping within the voting theme, SNL did a hilarious spoof on the undecided voters, enjoy:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQOwFquNLKo&list=UUupvZG-5ko_eiXAupbDfxWw&index=4&feature=plcp 

Rest in Peace, Mr. Andy Williams.  You were a dignified Gentleman of many decades.  Moon River was your most famous tune but I just love this one and as we are in September, it is also timely: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOPKL9PX2Y4&feature=related

For some of you early reader of this message, you DID see the Pure Michigan video before copyright infringement issues resulted in it removal later in the day last Friday.  The producers apparently got the rights to use the song by the recording artist but her people neglected to tell them that the writers of the song had a 2nd copyright claim.  Hopefully it will be resolved soon so the rest of the county appreciate our beautiful State from mitten bottom to rabbit ears.

Our holiday of Succot starts this Sunday evening. I hope our 8 day (7 days in Israel) weather is pleasant for all those meals, parties and overnights in your Succot.  Speaking of Israel, please enjoy this wonderful video touting Israel’s beauty: http://www.youtube.com/embed/tLgdb6r0MQ4?rel=0

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and a Hag Sameach,

Lisa