At Rosh Hashana, a message of certainty amid turmoil

As the Jewish people prepare to turn the calendar to the new year 5782 this Rosh Hashanah — which begins at nightfall Sept. 6 — there is little in our lives that seems to be a sure thing.

Two years ago, there was no reason to believe that life wouldn't continue on its predictable path. Then the pandemic hit.

Two months ago, there was no reason to believe that the pandemic wasn’t well on its way out. Then the delta variant struck.

Two weeks ago there was little reason to doubt the safety of our town, but suddenly we seemed to be in the path of a hurricane.
Much that we have leaned upon; relied upon; depended upon has shown itself not to be dependable: our jobs, our homes, even our health may have been in jeopardy in recent years, months and weeks.

But there is one thing we can always count on: God.
He is with us when the sailing is smooth and when the going gets rough. He lifts us up when we are downtrodden and He brings us hope when all seems lost.

On Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, we reaffirm our commitment to God, despite whatever challenges may arise. We demonstrate that commitment by praying and celebrating, and above all by listening to the sound of the shofar — the instrument made from a ram’s horn whose sound reminds us of the trumpets sounded at a king's coronation.

I am a firm believer in the adage that “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!" That’s why at Chabad of Hewlett, we’ll listen to the shofar safely — but in person — in a 15,000-square-foot open-air space.

We’ll demonstrate that yes, we might have had to work a bit harder than usual to attend synagogue this Rosh Hashana, and we might have had a tougher year than usual, but we're confident and optimistic that the year ahead will be filled with sweetness.

This Rosh Hashana, we’re showing that our commitment to God is as unshaken as His is to us. I encourage you to join us — you’ll feel welcome whether it’s your first time at High Holiday services or your 100th.

Wishing you a happy and healthy year! 

Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim spiritual leader at Chabad of Hewlett, a local Jewish organization, which will be holding open-air Covid-safe services on Rosh Hashana Tuesday, Sept. 7 and Wednesday, Sept. 8. and on Yom Kippur Sept. 15 and 16  For more information, visit JewishHewlett.com/HighHoliday.