Ushering out summer and 5785

You know the expression “Those lazy, hazy days of Summer”?

Well, it’s been the crazy days of summer for me this year.

It turns out the original expression is part of a song made popular by Nat King Cole, “Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy days of Summer.” I have no idea how it became part of the background of my life except the possibility that my mother might have listened to the record years ago. She was a big Nat King Cole fan.

Nobody remembers the crazy in lazy-hazy-crazy but crazy is the only word that describes this summer.

Summer has flown by, and it has been busy. Some readers still ask if we publish in the summer. Years ago, the paper shut down for the month of July. No more. Summer is as busy as ever. Instead of a relaxing end of summer, we were producing the issue you are reading now with its High Holy Days content and advertising as well as our annual Guide to Jewish Living (look for that in your mailbox right after Rosh Hashanah).

Summer is the season when you want to try to get out and enjoy New England at its best, despite this year’s heat: birthday parties, beach trips, baseball games and visits with far-flung family. But all too soon it’s Labor Day, and we are staring down the High Holy Days.

It seems as if I was just looking for graduation photos from local schools, and now everyone will be back to school as you read this paper.

That is what I mean by “crazy days of summer!” I hope your summer was a little lazier.

If you want to relive some of the fun in our community in the waning moments of August, check out the carnival photos from the Alliance’s J-Camp as well as some photos from Camp Gan Israel, the camp of Chabad of West Bay, which is held at Congregation Torat Yisrael. And the guests of the Kosher Café at the Dwares Jewish Community Center had a great time last week at their annual Prom. A dance party and lunch were enjoyed by all. Those photos are in this issue, too.

With the end of August and the beginning of September comes the beginning of Elul, the lead-up to the High Holy Days and a time set aside for introspection. No matter your level of Jewish observance, we can all use a little time to think about where we have been this year and where we aim to go. I’ve written before about how I have the opportunity as editor of this publication to exercise this sort of self-examination twice in a year: right now, during Elul as the calendar turns to 5786, and again at the beginning of 2026.

Personally, it's been a year of ups and downs. We added a grandchild last August and he is holding his own with his three sisters and one cousin. Family gatherings are even more chaotic now – in a good way! And July and August saw a string of birthdays and anniversaries to relish. Sadly, I lost my mother in the spring. She was often the first one to call and comment on these columns when the paper reached her mailbox. I miss her dearly, especially as I’ve made several trips home to clean out her things.

As the oldest child, I’ve vowed to make an extra effort to try to keep in touch with our extended family and keep everyone connected. And look to a better year ahead.

At Jewish Rhode Island, we try to stay away from political advocacy. I’ve talked to some area rabbis about this issue since the IRS now says it will no longer fine nonprofits that advocate for political candidates. Those I spoke with say they won’t be changing their policy to stay away from supporting candidates but will still advocate for issues.

I hope in the new year we can strive for more civility and a return of the hostages. Two simple asks that cut across all views.

Wishing you and your family l’shanah tovah!