Hello J Community,
It’s been a challenging year, and yesterday was no exception.
The Jewish new year will begin at sundown this evening. This holy day marks the time when Jewish people take personal account of their actions or inactions in the prior year and also think about our collective well-being. While we hope that each of us has had a moment to feel joy, celebrate a simcha (happy occasion), achieve new goals, and relish Jewish traditions, it’s safe to say this past year has brought more terror, sadness, frustration, and despair than we could have imagined.
Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, happened just as the Jewish High Holy Days came to a close. Since that morning, we’ve watched as the global Jewish community reeled in tragedy, mourned losses and beliefs, and prayed for the hostages. We have also witnessed the global Jewish community assemble with more cohesion and commitment to our peoplehood than we’ve experienced in decades. In a devastating and yet resolute way, this journey resembles past historical eras. Thankfully, it’s the unity, perseverance, and sheer commitment to bettering the world that has lifted up the Jewish people for millennia and will again in 5785.
This evening will mark the start of Rosh Hashanah, the year of 5785. As we welcome the new year, hold tight to the conviction that this will be a better year. Dig deep and believe that if each of us does our best to contribute to this betterment, it will be so.
L’Shana Tova (Happy New Year),
Amy Lavin
SJCC CEO
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