Running the Route

Today is the day before the first day of school.
The school buses are out running their routes, practicing for the big day.

The kids are getting haircuts, new shoes, and new backpacks.
They're sharpening pencils and labeling folders.

Some parents are suppressing their glee and others are holding back tears.
Maybe it's the first-first day. Maybe its one of the last-first days. Maybe they can't let go.

I've never had any trouble associating Rosh HaShanah with a new beginning because those sharp pencils and new erasers help me out.

I think it's no wonder that the two go hand in hand. A new eraser to help us fix the mistakes we've made over the last year. New pencils to write the story of our future. New teachers to guide us along the way. New bus routes to help us get there.

Are you ready?