I’m not a very religious person. However, twice a year I go to high holiday services at my local synagogue. My family has been a member since I was 13 years old.. As I have gotten older I enjoy going more and more. I like going with my mom and my step dad and being assured of seeing the retired rabbi who resided over my bar mitzvah 43 years ago! It’s nice knowing some things don’t change. But wait, this year there were tons of changes. I didn’t mind that the sanctuary got a multi-million dollar face lift or the organ was replaced by a 4 piece band and an expanded choir. What was at first disturbing was the new prayer books that guided the congregants through the service. The prayer book had many different prayers and so many of the traditional readings vanished. The powers to be wanted to modernize the service to make it more relevant. How dare they! It has always been comforting to know that something’s don’t change. Alas, even something like high holiday services that have been conducted for over 5000 years has succumbed to modernization. I guess it’s just the way life goes. When the service concluded I kissed my mom and wished her a happy new year like I have for as long as I can remember. It was as enjoyable and comforting as it was the previous year even though the experience reminded me that things are always changing.