A Hallmark Card to G_d

I love Hallmark cards. Aren't those cards so romantic? The poems so poignant? I want to name the Hallmark card the invention of the century. No need to be creative, no need to waste time putting my feelings and emotions down on paper, I can just go to Walmart and get a professionally written card for $2.99, and bingo! I am a winner.

I hate Hallmark cards. Aren't those cards so unromantic? Aren't the poems so fake? I can't believe that someone would actually send me such a card and think that I would appreciate the commercial greeting.

As I read from my Machzor on Rosh Hashana I can't help to feel like reading from an impersonal card. The words are beautiful but were written professionally centuries ago. The lyrics are powerful but so not personal. So not me.

Sure I'll use the card, it's now part of our culture. But I'm always sure to add a personal note. Sometimes the note is longer that the poem, sometimes I just sign my name. I just want the recipient to know that I'm willing to invest more than just a few pennies in our relationship.

This Rosh Hashana I will add my personal prayer to the traditional reading of the Machzor. This Thursday, as I stand before G_d and choose him once again to be MY G_d, I will make sure to personalize my card.