As the annual Day of Judgment approaches, we naturally look inward.
Rosh Hashana is a time to reflect on the year that has passed, consider our deeds and shortcomings, and pray that we and our families will be inscribed for a year of life, health, peace and blessing.
But as we reflect on our personal year, we must also look back on the year we have experienced together as a people.
It has been a challenging year for Jews around the world. Antisemitism has continued to soar, with Jews threatened and attacked simply for being Jewish. The horrific Chanukah terror attack in Sydney was a painful reminder that hatred of Israel and the Jewish people can have deadly consequences far beyond Israel’s borders.
In the United States and around the world, antisemitic rhetoric has increasingly emerged from both political extremes, with voices on the far left demonizing Israel and Zionism and figures on the far right reviving age-old conspiracy theories about Jews.
Israel, meanwhile, faced a historic war with Iran. Missiles rained down on Israeli cities, millions rushed to shelters, and Israeli soldiers once again risked their lives to defend the Jewish state.
Yet through it all, Israel endured and emerged stronger. Jewish communities around the world stood together, Israelis displayed extraordinary resilience, and our enemies once again failed to break the spirit of the Jewish people.
As we enter Rosh Hashana, the ancient words of our prayers feel especially relevant. We are reminded that not only individuals, but entire nations and the course of history stand before God in judgment:
“And over countries, judgment is pronounced: which of them is destined for war and which for peace, which for famine and which for abundance… Who is not considered on this day?”
After a year of war and upheaval, we pray that the year ahead will be one of peace. We pray for security and prosperity for Israel, strength and unity for the Jewish people, and protection for Jewish communities everywhere.
And we pray that the coming year will bring us closer to the world envisioned in our Rosh Hashana prayers: “The righteous will see and rejoice, and the upright will be jubilant… injustice will close its mouth, and all wickedness will vanish like smoke, when You remove the rule of evil from the earth.”
We pray for a world in which terrorists no longer threaten Israel, antisemitism is rejected wherever it appears, and the Jewish people can live safely and proudly in our ancient homeland and throughout the world.
As the shofar sounds and a new year begins, may God judge His people with mercy and inscribe us all for life and blessing. May He protect Israel and its defenders, bring peace where there has been war, and replace fear and sorrow with hope and joy.
And may we finally merit in the coming year the fulfillment of the words we recite in our prayers: “Joy to His Land and gladness to His City.”
From all of us at United with Israel, we wish you and your family a Shana Tova U’Metuka, a good, sweet and peaceful New Year!
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