From the Rabbi's study

Our High Holy Day Prayer Book tells us concerning the New Year: Hayom harat Olam — today is the anniversary of the creation of the world. Yes, according to tradition, Rosh Hashanah is the birthday not just of Planet Earth, but of the entire universe.

The statement is not meant to be a scientific truth. The statement is in our Mahzor to teach us an eternal truth: Our Creator built into the system the ability for renewal and growth. There is always a future and, therefore, there is always hope. The year that is ending was not a particularly stellar year. All of us have been affected by the economy. Our country is still involved in two wars and a War on Terror that will always be with us.

Israel has also had a difficult year, with attacks from Gaza and Lebanon, strained ties with Turkey and the possibility of war with Lebanon, Iran’s proxy, in the near future. Throughout the world there are people suffering disease, starvation and lack of human rights.

Yet, we as Jews do not despair. As a 3,700 year-old culture, we have learned to look at history through a wider lens. We have learned that throughout history there have been many ups and downs with many more downs than ups.

We have learned that survival and success are based on a mental attitude of hope. We know that as long as our ability to hope remains strong, we will weather the storm.

What is the source of our hope? In the words of the Psalmist, The source is the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. He will not let you falter (Ps. 15). We do not know what the coming year will bring us personally or globally. We do know that we are not alone. God is at our side to help us find our inner strength. He is rooting for mankind and for each of us individually. He wants us not just to survive, but to succeed.

From the beginning of Elul until Hoshannah Rabbah, which ends our holy season, we recite the 27th Psalm twice a day. The Psalm concludes, “Hope in the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.”

May 5751 be a year of hope and strength for all of us. L’Shannah Tovah.

Temple Hillel-North Woodmere