Echoes of Elul, Day 20: On My 80th Birthday…

By Rita Zipnick

I celebrated my 80th birthday on July 14th, 2021. The occasion put me in a very reflective mood. As I thought back on my years on this beautiful place called earth and especially the United States, I realize how much I appreciate the freedom to be a Jew. Central to my faith is a deep belief in G-d.

I was born into a poor family. My parents suffered illnesses, and I grew up having to do a lot of things other kids my age did not have to do. By the age of 11, I was cooking, cleaning and caring for my family of six. The extra burdens both physical and emotional, contributed to my own health issues.

I turned to prayer and reached out to G-d. I quickly learned that although G-d really answers every prayer that sometimes the answer is, “no!” I began to make adjustments in my mind, and realized that when my character changed, my attitude accommodated and reflected that change. I decided to “ALWAYS KEEP A GREAT ATTITUDE!” I thank G-d every night for all I’ve been given
and the strength Hashem gives me whenever I am in need of help.

I look forward with great anticipation to the next forty years!
Thank you G-d, till 120!!!

Comments are closed.