"Shana Tovah U’Metukah! Happy New Year to Jewish communities who will begin celebrating Rosh Hashanah this evening. "As the sound of the shofar echoes, it calls for each of us to practice reflection and repentance, preparing to be written in the Book of Life. As its call echoes, we have the opportunity to pronounce ‘HaShem,’ God, as our ‘Melech,’ King, and to advance on the path of self improvement. In practicing Teshuvah, we reckon with the past and ready ourselves for the future.
"5784 was a year of great grief and great resilience – even in its last few days, fears have again escalated abroad and in our city. I pray that 5785 charts a path to peace, unity, and solidarity for our communities, city, and world. As anti-Semitic hatred and violence looms, this is a moment to recommit ourselves to solidarity and compassion. The challenges we face are an opportunity to stand together in common humanity and move forward in common good.
"Ah gut gebentsht yohr to everyone celebrating in the coming days."