From Our CEO
Resetting in 5778
September 20th, 2017

On multiple fronts, it’s been a challenging year — and many in our community seem more than ready to say farewell to 5777.

One of the beautiful dimensions of Judaism is that Rosh Hashanah represents a new beginning, the promise of renewal. We say repeatedly in the Rosh Hashanah service: “Hayom harat olam” — today the world is born. Each new year represents an opportunity to reset, individually and communally — to imagine the world as we want it to be, and how we might contribute to that vision.

In that spirit, we asked seven leading Jewish thinkers, community leaders, and rabbis from across the spectrum to share how they plan to reset in 5778. Their essays are thought-provoking, revealing, and ideal reading over the holiday. I invite you to review all the essays, which have also been distributed to over 100 synagogues, day schools, and Jewish community centers around the New York area.

For me, I hope this new year’s reset leads to greater appreciation of the many diverse voices that make up our community. Or, in the words of UJA’s extraordinary scholar-in-residence, Rabbi Michael Paley, that this year, “we see the face of God in the face of the ‘other.’”

It is an aspiration rooted in an experience I’ll never forget. Back in 2004, my wife and I spent a year with our children living in Israel. I found the most memorable time was the period leading up to Rosh Hashanah, which seemed to soften the hard lines between the various “tribes” of Israel who so often struggle to find common ground. Every Israeli, whatever their politics or position, whether secular or Haredi, rich or poor, wished one another a “Shanah Tovah.” Everyone was commonly engaged in preparing for the New Year, and sharing the sense of possibility that next year would be better.

I was in Israel this past weekend, celebrating a wedding with dear friends. And even in the few days back there, I experienced that same transcendent sense of connectedness in the lead-up to Rosh Hashanah.

My prayer for 5778 is that despite our differences, we will find a way to hold on to that sense of Jewish connection — so we can be there for each other and all those counting on us in the year ahead.

Wishing you shanah tovah u’metukah — a healthy, happy, and sweet New Year.

Eric