As a family, we have searched for COVID-friendly activities to engage in during school vacation. Besides virtual entertainment, we happened upon Urban Adventure Quests, an online platform which sends you on scavenger hunts through different neighborhoods. In exploring the streets of Los Angeles just a few miles from our home, we recognized landmarks and sculptures that we never noticed, even while driving by hundreds of times in prior years. The clues given to you are extremely specific, inquiring on how many steps lead up to certain buildings, details of the architecture of City Hall facades, and questions on gorgeous murals.
As the secular year concludes, we review the difficult events of 2020 but also look forward to the fulfillment of goals yet to be achieved in 2021. We look at the adventures the past year has taken us on, and we ponder as to what adventures we wish to embark upon in the year ahead.
Today marks the 10th of Tevet, a fast day on the Jewish calendar. It is known as the beginning of the end of the siege of Jerusalem. This description is also how these days have been described. With the rollout of the vaccine, we have heard this is the “beginning of the end.” Beginning and endings are subjective; we decide that marker in time. We also decide the path that we wish to take. Yes, there will be challenges, and yes, there will be heartbreak. Yet, we can still have the quest for joy as we seek a path forward in a year God-willing filled with health and peace.
