High Holy Days Reflections from Rabbi Koppell

As we enter into this new year, 5782, I’m thinking of “The Daffodil Principle.” In Lake Arrowhead, California, there is a hill adorned with a 5-acre daffodil garden that cascades down the peak. Beautiful colors planted in swirling patterns.

Where did it come from? There is a hand-lettered sign on the patio of a modest home that sits next to the property: 
Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking. It reads: 50,000 bulbs
One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and very little brain (her words)
Began in 1958
    
What an inspiration! What an incredible reminder of what one person, just one individual, what each one of us can accomplish, just one step at a time with a little bit of effort and vision. Very few of us live in this world with giant platforms from which we can orchestrate monumental change. Every one of us, though, can influence our family, our community, by the tiny decisions that we make each and every day.
I invite you to use the time we are blessed with on Rosh Hashanah to reflect on what are those small changes you would like to implement in the year ahead, to bring joy and beauty wherever you find yourself planted. One flower at a time- what do you want to plant in this year that is just beginning?

Rabbi Bonnie Koppell