ROSH HASHANAH EDITION 5777 SECTION D
Shana Goldberg: If this election cycle has shown us anything, it is how polarized discourse in the US has become. We are losing our capacity for real compassion, dialogue and tolerance.
Ideological orthodoxy, in either camp, in whichever worldview, is becoming the way of the world.
My wish for the coming year is that we remember that we are all people, first and foremost. My wish is that we can disagree with someone — even vehemently — but still retain the ability to discourse and engage and, who knows, even learn something new.
In the coming year, I hope we will try to find what we have in common rather than focus on what divides us.
Julie Greenberg Richman: May you feel the wind on your back, the sand in your toes, and the raindrops on your face. May your heart beat strongly, your legs carry you firmly and your eyes see brightly.
May the simple gifts of everyday life bring you pleasure and joy and the losses of everyday life bring tears to your cheeks.
As a New Year appears before us, may you enter it with light footsteps, a bright spirit, and a generous heart and mind.
Wishing a healthy and good year ahead for all.
Andrea Jacobs: On this perfect autumn morning, as the sun slants gently toward the future, I pray for those whose futures are in peril, sooner or later — and that would be all of us.
Tomorrows are not a given. One day we will disappear inside a memory.
Too often we get so afraid of what’s around the corner that we forget the present.
As the years pass, I find myself contemplating the inevitable shadows instead of the joy that’s right in front of me, like this perfect day.
T. S. Eliot wrote, “In my beginning is my end” and “In my end is my beginning,”
I love the pure and unarguable symmetry of those two lines, which are obscured by puzzling refrains before and after.
Concentrate on the lines you cherish and try to minimize the rest.
May it be a wondrous year, lived to the fullest — for an eternity.
Gerald Mellman: No one could request a more glorious day in Denver, Colorado, to extend best wishes to the staff and subscribers of the Intermountain Jewish News.
May they be granted all their desires on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and all other upcoming holidays.
Lori Aron: This past year has been a whirlwind of activity and I take a deep breath to reflect on the coming New Year. As always, I pray for peace, good health and prosperity for me and my family. But I also pray for the continuing strength of Israel, for less hatred in the world, and more understanding between people. Above all, I am thankful for all that Hashem has given and will give in the New Year ahead. To my family, my friends, and the community at large. . . a heartfelt L’Shana Tova.
Hillel Goldberg: I cannot remember a Rosh Hashanah summoning so much fear: of Iran and its threats against Israel; of the tenacity of Syria’s cruelty, of the willingness of Russia to support it, of the inaction of the US, of the consequent massive human suffering that should deep disturb all people of conscience; of the isolation of Israel worldwide; of the deeply political polarization in this country. Last year in this space I wrote: Prayer is not designed to be a substitute for wisdom, commitment and action. We need them all, more than ever — not to mention, the countervailing, blessed, humbling, echoing, arc of gratitude.
Miriam H. Goldberg: I give thanks for my growing family down through the generations, and hope that this year, the eternal prayer for peace will be answered.
Amy Hirshberg Lederman: Jewish New Year celebrates the creation of the world, reminding us that rebirth, renewal, innovation and positive changes are always possible. May this new year be a year of inspiration and blessings, joy and dedication, love and well-being within your home and heart and the world we share.
Larry Hankin: As we begin the New Year 5777, Americans also face one of the most contentious and divisive presidential elections in our country’s history. I pray that the democratic process will once again run its course and all Americans will be able to accept the outcome and come together as one nation.
May G-d grant our leaders the strength and wisdom to keep America safe and prosperous.
Tehilla Goldberg: Rosh Hashanah is known as Yoma Arichta — one long day, from the first stars dabbing the sky on the first evening until the twinkling stars of the second night.
May this holiday envelop you in the Malchuyot, Zichronot and Shofrot of the day, on this holiday and beyond, into the recesses of this New Year.
May this year be sweet and gentle for you, dear readers. Shana Tova U’Metuka to you and those you love.
A Gutt Yhor!
Carol Coen: Once again I give thanks for my loving husband and family.
I pray that we allow true kindness to come alive in each of us. Sometimes we are so tied up or just afraid to look past our own little world that we forget to stop and think of all the suffering that takes place.
May all be blessed with health, happiness, relief, peace and respect.
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