ENCINO, Calif. – I am addicted to the news. Something enormously dramatic and extraordinary seems to be happening all the time, whether it’s war, terrorism, natural disasters, corruption, environmental destruction or economic upheaval.

With this constant tumult, one may wonder if the state of the world is growing more dismal. More likely it was always like this, but without the Internet and television it was lesser known. People seem to be constantly seeking answers on how to cope, gain more control of their lives and remain spiritually whole.

Rosh HaShanah is a time of rebirth. However, this fall holiday brings a different sort of rebirth than springtime: After months of grueling heat and decay, the earth is refreshed with kernels of September green. In Israel, palm trees blossom with honey-sweet dates during the fall, providing the flavor of our celebration of the birthday of the universe.

Yet while the earth renews itself physically, we renew ourselves spiritually.