On a Monday evening, September 22nd, Erev Rosh Hashanah summons us to begin the Jewish New Year 5786. We’ll gather at Congregation Beth Israel or livestream from home. This year, we’ll approach the new year with different expectations from the past. There’s a shared feeling among us that we’ve all been moved off-center. There’s more chaos, violence, incivility, and uncertainty at home, in the nation, and across the world. So we’ve all tried to rebuild trust, confidence, and peace where we can. We’ve also all come to know that we need to be more and do more this year. I believe that we’ll find our way in the light of a new year to accomplish the work that needs to be done and honor the obligations that are uniquely ours as Jews and Jewish allies.

Taking our seats in the congregation or livestreaming at home binds us to each other’s experiences in prayer and song. It’s my urgent hope that our experience in Houston will focus us on what our congregation and community can contribute to the future we share. It’s been a year of hard work and resilience for all of us. As I considered how to address these moments in the New Year, I’ve prepared my messages for you. On Rosh Hashanah, I will speak on these topics:

Erev Rosh Hashanah, “When Families Gather, Our Jewish Inheritance is at Stake”
Rosh Hashanah Day, “If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem: This Biblical Moment Calls to Us”

Though the news changes quickly and events buffet us about from side to side, there are enduring themes that steady us. It’s my hope that the worship services, High Holy Day sounds, including the blasts of the Shofar, and Jewish themes in messages on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, will prepare us well for the New Year 5786. Though we begin with sweet wishes followed by a deep personal accounting of our souls, we emerge to celebrate the festival of Sukkot, z’man simchateinu, the season of our joy, because it’s with optimism that Judaism thrives and so do we.

From my family to yours and from all of us at Congregation Beth Israel, best wishes to you as the New Year arrives and to a year of well-being, good health, and lasting peace.

L’Shalom,