Anticipation of the Jewish New Year also brings back memories. Without equivocation, we always wished each other Shanah Tovah, a good year, a sweet year, good health, and peace. This New Year, we’ll begin with the same good wishes between us, but with greater earnest and hopefulness.

The past year has been the most challenging for the Jewish world. For Israel, the most devastating since the Holocaust, and for America, an unprecedented rise in antisemitism. Though no year is free of some antisemitism, the last few years have revealed rabid Jew-hatred that has been difficult to avoid, anywhere.

The theme of the New Year 5785 cannot be depressing or paralyzing. It must be what it has always been: a new start founded on new perspective. On this, our Sages taught, “All beginnings are hard.” The lesson is not depressing; rather, it’s honest. And honesty helps us avoid illusions and fantasies about what lies ahead of us. What remains is everything that we can do something about, either alone or in the company of others. That’s where the Jewish people usually finds its indominable strength. In the company of others—Jews around the world and allies—we face the New Year with fortitude to inspire and motivate us. But what if, as it seems, our allies are less reliable than in the past? Israelis count on their allies, but never without relying on themselves, first and last.

As we arrive at the synagogue this year, we’ll feel more secure than ever before. Our beautiful new perimeter fence is a great deterrence, and HPD officers, led by Commander Collins and Lieutenant Valentine, are dedicated to our safety. With thanks to you for supporting Beth Israel’s security needs, we’ll enter the synagogue, find our seats, and engage in meaningful prayer, reflection, inspiring music and messages.

In preparation, we begin with Selichot, prayers of repentance that open the season. On Saturday, September 28th, at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary, Good Shabbos, a play written and produced by Temple member, Miriam Kalman Friedman, will be staged and directed by Beth Israel members. Its story and meaning will awaken us to enduring themes and questions that are ripe for the start of the New Year.

On Rosh Hashanah, Wednesday evening, October 2nd, and Thursday, October 3rd, the Jewish New Year begins. The sounds of the Shofar and the mitzvah to hear them will awaken us to the urgency of our time and the work that awaits us. This Rosh Hashanah, the titles of my sermons are:

Erev Rosh Hashanah, “Finding Hope in Familiar Places since October 7th”
Rosh Hashanah Day, “What Happens when the Rabbi and the Pope Meet”

Hope is not a small theme and finding it means looking deeply. Many of you know that I had an amazing visit with Pope Francis in Rome, in August. I’ve held off until Rosh Hashanah to share with you what moved me most about meeting a man who represents so much to more than a billion Catholics around the world. By setting the foundation and tone for the Ten Days of Repentance, we’ll anticipate Yom Kippur with ready hearts and hands.

I look forward to seeing you, hearing from you, and to welcoming those on livestream. May the New Year 5785 be all that we can make it, together. From Lisa and me, from our family to yours,

L’Shanah Tovah u’Metukah,