Rosh Hashanah: 'In The Morning There Is Joy'

In a time of dark clouds, hope in a brighter tomorrow.

A call and awakening: The sound of the shofar pierces our hearts and stirs our souls.

Dear Reader,

On the eve of each new Jewish year, like many of you, I struggle to balance my hopes and fears, my prayers of penitence, personal pleas and expressions of gratitude.

We are living through difficult times, fraught with disruption – from devastating war in Europe to deepening civil discord at home and in Israel to the ongoing (whether we acknowledge it or not) Covid pandemic. 

But we are a people of fortitude and faith, anchored in the promise of a brighter future. Each day we begin our morning prayers with the words of King David: “At night there may be weeping, but in the morning there is joy.” (Psalm 30)

Rosh Hashanah offers us a moment in time of renewal and beginning, the opportunity to take stock of where we have been and where we hope to go, personally and collectively, in the new year. 

As we approach 5783, let us reflect on our blessings and strive to raise our voices in harmony as part of Klal Yisrael, one people.

Thanks to each of you for being part of this venture. I wish you and yours a sweet, healthy and fulfilling new year of peace, joy and answered prayers.