As Jake Tapper would say, I've just gotten used to writing 5771 on my checks.

The staff of Goldblog (its editor, reporters, researchers, mohels, and all the folks in the back office in Bangalore)  wants to wish everyone a sweet and joyous New Year.

Here's a favorite Rosh Hashana quote (from the U'Netaneh Tokef prayer):

Man begins in dust and ends in dust. He lays down his soul to bring home bread. He is like a broken shard, like dried grass, like a faded flower, like a breath of wind, like whirling dust, like a dream that slips away."

Erica Brown writes: "The Book of Life is just one more symbolic manifestation of our humility in front of the Master of the Universe. We realize in the midst of a world filled with mystery that we do not have ultimate control. We might feel that at work. We might feel that when confronting illness. Most parents realize that right away. We are supposed to feel this sense of humility every Rosh Hashana. There is a King, and we are faithful - if at times confused - servants, subject to a master plan we cannot access."

And what would Rosh Hashana be without a few haikus? I've asked Goldblog Senior Rabbi David Wolpe to write a couple. This is what he came up with on the fly:

Full brisket, chow mein

And here's my contribution:

Thank you God for life
But enough with the U.N.
If You wouldn't mind

Shana Tovah to everyone. I'll be back during the Days of Awe. Unless something happens.

Souls open and raw

Same seats and the same sermon,
New act, new fate, K?