It's an hour before sunset on the eve of the Jewish New Year, and Tel Aviv is quiet. On the way back from last-minute shopping at the shuk, I saw hasidic men carrying towels and bars of soap, headed for their ritual pre-holy day ablutions in the mikveh across from my apartment building. Some men were already headed home from the mikveh, their ritual sidelocks still damp.

Old Mrs. Weiss, her hair freshly tinted violet and a smile on her face, sat by the window of her ground floor apartment. Waiting, no doubt, for her son to come pick her up for the holiday meal at his house. I waved to her and called out holiday greetings; in response she leaned out the window and said, "When you pass by, the whole street smiles. Happy new year my dear."

A four-day weekend stretches ahead, and everyone seems relaxed and happy. Let us hope that this is a good omen for the coming year. Happy new year to everyone.