This Rosh HashanahThe Jewish New Year, also considered the Day of Judgment. The period of the High Holidays is a time of introspection and atonement. The holiday is celebrated with the sounding of the shofar, lengthy prayers in synagogue, the eating of apples and honey, and round challah for a sweet and whole year. Tashlikh, casting bread on the water to symbolize the washing away of sins, also takes place on Rosh Hashana. each of us begins a new year with a different need than ever before. We ache with sorrow and grief, for this past year has been for many one of the most difficult. We have become ill, we have lost loved ones, we have missed important life events.Â
On this Rosh Hashanah we crave connection.
On this Rosh Hashanah we crave connection to one another after months of physical distancing and isolation. We long to hug our parents, our chosen family, our children and grandchildren, our friends. On this Rosh Hashanah we pray for all those we miss.
On this Rosh Hashanah we crave connection to our heritage. Although in separate homes, we come together today to celebrate and affirm our Jewishness. On this Rosh Hashanah we pray in the words of our ancestors and remember that we are B’nai Yisrael, the People of IsraelLit. ''the one who struggles with God.'' Israel means many things. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. Jacob's children, the Jewish people, become B'nai Israel, the children of Israel. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel..Â
On this Rosh Hashanah we crave connection with Divinity. Whether the name we use is HashemLit. The Name, referring to the ineffable name of God; used as a substitute for any of the more sacred names of God when not speaking in prayer. Particularly used in conversation. or the Universe—whatever we use to remind us that we are not alone and that the world is so much more than just our everyday lives. On this Rosh Hashanah we pray to feel a connection with Divinity.Â
On this Rosh Hashanah 5781, may we find the connections we seek. And let us say: Amen.
