When I was young and shopping for the New Year with my mother, there was nothing more exciting than dawdling round the pavement booths set up in Geula selling hundreds and hundreds of glittery greeting cards. I would scan the glitzy array of hummingbirds, prayer shawls, shofars and honey dipped apples agonising over which design would best convey my blessings to the world. I always ended up buying a few of each but rarely got around to actually posting them (so typical... and some habits die hard, I'm ashamed to say...).
Nowadays it is embarrasingly easy it to send out good wishes. The web is full of email greetings that can be zapped round the world in no time and that's it - the chore is done. But does anyone stop any more to think - is this what I really want to say?
How many more cheesy powerpoint presentations am I going to have to open before I receive one heartfelt message saying what a friend really feels and telling me something that is actually relevant to our relationship?
I'm not sure. But I think I'll start by posting a personal message to my friends. If I start early enough it is sure to get forwarded at least halfway round the globe and back again in time for it to re-enter my inbox before the great day of Judgement arrives. That's one definite message that will mean something to me!
