Yom Kippur, known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. For me, not being a religious person but more of a cultural Jew, it is more a day of counting my blessings and giving thanks for the well-being of those I love.

In that respect I would like to share the following Advice to my Daughters…

– Love yourself. Make peace with who you are and where you are at this moment in time.

– Listen to your heart. Make time for yourself. Enjoy YOUR company.

– Try. Take chances. MAKE MISTAKES. Life can be messy and confusing at times, but also it’s full of surprises. The next rock in your path might be a stepping stone.

– There aren’t any shortcuts to tomorrow. You have to make your own way. To know where you’re going is only part of it. You need to know where you’ve been too. And if you ever get lost, don’t worry. The people who love you will find you. Count on it.

– When you don’t have what you want, want what you have. This is one of the most important things I share with you and a secret of contentment.

What am I wishing for you both?… Strength for the future, the feeling of seeing a prized dream come true, a bright carefree spirit, but also the wisdom to know in your heart what is most right for you. And always, I’m hoping that you will remember the most important by far… how much you are loved, how proud I am always, how wonderfully special you are.

I want to close with just one small simple wish… that whatever life brings, you will share all the goodness and grace that’s inside you and… always be HAPPY! Remember… you girls are the light of my life and the warmth in my heart.

I love you both dearly.