There are a lot of feelings to be expressed as this evening we usher in the Jewish New Year 5785. Some of those sentiments and thoughts are related to our personal experiences in life. Some are related to our families and friends. Some are related to Israel. Some are related to our country. Some are related to the anti-Semitism that Jews are experiencing. And some are related to the hostages and their families.
One of our congregant’s grandsons was called up to defend Medinat Yisrael, the State of Israel, as the war has just increased on two fronts. He asked me if there was a mi shebeyrach prayer that one might recite for an individual who is called up to serve in the IDF. I shared with him that in our tradition when one prays for another who is faced with something similar, our prayer will hopefully come to fruition for us as well. In the Torah, when Sarah and King Abimelech’s wife both were without child, Abraham prayed for Abimelech’s wife. Not too long afterward, the Torah tells us that Sarah’s womb was opened by God and she became pregnant with Isaac. We pray for our congregant’s grandson. We pray for all of the soldiers in the IDF. May they succeed in their missions and return to their bases and homes safely and with Godspeed.
If perchance you did not view my message for Rosh Hashanah that was sent out by JFEC, I have made a suggestion that as we partake in our apples dipped with honey or our raisin challah dipped with honey, we cut a separate piece of challah or apple and put it on a plate in the middle of our table. Drip honey next to it on the plate in honor of those who remain hostage in Gaza, for their families and the families of the hostages that were tragically murdered, as well as for the members of the IDF and their families who are at this moment on the front.
Rosh Hashanah provides us with the opportunity to join together with our fellow Jews. Together as a community our merits and our disappointments are joined together. Our tradition teaches us that we are, therefore, judged for a good year based on our collective actions, thoughts and intentions. In that way, the rabbis teach us that together we hopefully can inspire Hashem, to provide us with a Shana Tova.
I hope that wherever you are celebrating Rosh Hashanah this year, that it be filled with some joy, some reflection and with a connection to Am Yisrael. We as a congregation look forward to your joining together with us at the USCGA Chapel throughout the next few days.
Shana Tova Umetukah, may this year bring health, happiness, success and good fortune to you, with a taste of sweetness to your family and friends and to Am Yisrael.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Rabbi Kideckel
