Drip, drip, drip

That's the only sound heard from my stand-alone freezer, which decided to stop working yesterday, on Shabbat. The problem with living in a Jewish country is that repairmen also observe the holiday, but I left a desperate message for the one who replaced the motor only six weeks ago.

I've managed to stick most things in my refrigerator/freezer, but am running out of room fast. If he doesn't come I'll manage somehow--I love a challenge, remember? At least it didn't happen tomorrow, or on Rosh Hashanah itself.

My friend says that it's no coincidence when things break so close to the new year. On Rosh Hashanah, God determines how much each person will earn. So if a person didn't give enough charity during the year, He makes sure things even out before the following Rosh Hashanah . . . whether through buying new appliances or paying for repairs. Israeli repairmen must give a lot of tzedakah during the year.

And if you are trying to get organized, check out my Rosh Hashanah Survival Guide. Last year Rosh Hashanah was followed by Shabbat, but most suggestions still apply.