Tonight at sundown Jews around the world (myself included) will observe Kol Nidre, the start of the holiest day of the year… Yom Kippur. During the following 24+ hours we ask for forgiveness and atone  for our sins and transgressions of the previous year. And in the new year, Yamim Nora’im, 5774 we once again can start fresh.

I like this concept of getting a new start, a do-over, so to speak. It is particularly meaningful for me this year. Tomorrow I will reflect on the past year, the things I did and the things I didn’t do, the people I may have inadvertently hurt and things that I am not proud of. I will ask forgiveness, I will atone, and then I will set an intention to do better this year. This New Year brings with it the hope for a fresh start, new beginnings and limitless possibilities. I am going to embrace this new year with hope – for myself, for my family, for my friends, and for the world. I am choosing to be optimistic that this New Year will be a sweet one! Shana Tova!