I know it’s customary to make resolutions each January 1st in the hope of improving ourselves and our relationships in the coming year. But today I thought, “Why wait? Why not make my resolutions on this first day of Rosh Hashanah — the Jewish New Year 5787 — and get a head start on all of that betterment?”

And the first — in fact the only — resolution I came up with was to laugh more. That’s not an easy thing to do in a world that seems determined to destroy itself at any given moment, which is exactly why I think it’s such a good idea.

And it turns out that my new philosophy is supported by none other than my literary idol, the Bard himself, who wrote:

“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.”

– William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice,” Act I, Scene 1.

So that’s it. I’m pretty old; the wrinkles have already come. Now it’s up to me to seek out the humor to accompany them.

Wish me luck.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
9/12/26