ROSH HASHANA Message 2025/5786
|
|
An entire month devoted to reflection and action, designed to place us in a special frame of mind — a time that reminds us life is precious, that not a moment can be squandered, and that our days must be filled with what makes life truly worth living.
Yet, in the rush of endless responsibilities, we often forget. We let busyness blur what really matters. This season calls us back—to choose a life of meaning and purpose, to nourish both body and soul with clarity and urgency. It is a pause in time, urging us to ask: how do we live a worthy life? For as the years pass, time seems only to move faster; life is fleeting, and we must use the days granted to us by the Almighty with intention.
Every part of our lives requires honest introspection — in moments of sorrow, in times of joy, in our struggles, and in our triumphs. All of them invite reflection and action. By learning to value every moment, we learn to distinguish between what is true and enduring, and what is false, fleeting, and wasteful.
This year, as Rosh Hashana approaches, many of us are burdened with concerns about the world around us — our country, our beloved Israel, our community, and even our own personal lives. These are troubled times. While the economy may appear strong, fear and uncertainty cloud the future. Many of us carry heavy emotional, psychological, and health-related burdens. And of course, we are deeply concerned for Israel. For two years, Israel has been fighting a war in Gaza, forced upon her by a cruel and genocidal enemy. Hamas and its allies remain obsessed with destroying our only Jewish state. Israel faces a multi-front war — in Gaza, in the north with Hezbollah, in Judea and Samaria with constant attacks. Ten million Israeli citizens live under this threat, and this is a war that must be won.
Antisemitism, too, has risen across the globe. We see echoes of Europe before the Holocaust. We continue to grieve the horrific terror of October 7, 2023 — the slaughter of children and the elderly, rapes, kidnappings, and the unimaginable cruelty inflicted on Israeli civilians. Hamas still holds hostages in Gaza, subjecting them to unspeakable suffering. Here in the United States, Jews face hostility on college campuses, in the streets, and sometimes even in synagogues.
And yet, in the face of this, we cannot surrender to despair. We do not understand fully how God runs the universe — His will works in combination with our actions and our free will. Often, our plans seem so clear, so perfect — until suddenly they are upended. As the saying goes: “El ombre propone y D-io dispone” — “Man proposes, God disposes.” Our task is not to lose heart when our expectations are disrupted. Rather, this season awakens us to turn inward, to draw on our inner faith, hope, and belief in a better future, and to pray to the One who is All-Powerful.
We may not have a clear strategy, but if we assume a resigned attitude, we will lose even before we begin. Our Jewish tradition teaches us that every challenge and every adversity must be met with absolute fortitude and unwavering belief, as we pray to Hashem that victory is at hand. This is the very root of faith — faith that we will prevail with G-d’s help. That is how important Tefillah (Prayer) is. The fresh breaths of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and the resolve of our faith, give us the strength to counter the winds of uncertainty. Rosh Hashana is urging us: open the window of your heart and breathe in the fresh air of faith, just as you are. Smell the flowers of gratitude for what you have, and feel the hopeful breeze of your life.
At the beginning of the year, G-d decides and plans the entire year. This year, I am praying to Hashem to grant us miracles that we may witness with our own eyes — the Geulah Shelemah, the complete Redemption of our People in Israel. To vanquish all those who seek our destruction. To grant ultimate victory to our IDF soldiers, to bring home all our hostages safely, and to heal our wounded soldiers. To bless all the sick congregants of our entire community with Refuah Shelema — a complete recovery. To grant us and our families a good, healthy, and peaceful year, with good Parnassa (livelihood), so that we may be able to do Tzedaka and acts of kindness for others.
May we all be blessed to receive good news from our children and grandchildren.
May there be harmony and blessing in our congregation, Magain David, as well as in every congregation. May the efforts of our members be crowned with success, strengthening and uplifting our community. May this year draw us closer to our complete redemption, and may we be granted an anyada buena y salud.
"Tizku Leshanim Rabbot Neimot Vetovot. Amen."
Rabbi Simon and Cecilia Benzaquen
Yet, in the rush of endless responsibilities, we often forget. We let busyness blur what really matters. This season calls us back—to choose a life of meaning and purpose, to nourish both body and soul with clarity and urgency. It is a pause in time, urging us to ask: how do we live a worthy life? For as the years pass, time seems only to move faster; life is fleeting, and we must use the days granted to us by the Almighty with intention.
Every part of our lives requires honest introspection — in moments of sorrow, in times of joy, in our struggles, and in our triumphs. All of them invite reflection and action. By learning to value every moment, we learn to distinguish between what is true and enduring, and what is false, fleeting, and wasteful.
This year, as Rosh Hashana approaches, many of us are burdened with concerns about the world around us — our country, our beloved Israel, our community, and even our own personal lives. These are troubled times. While the economy may appear strong, fear and uncertainty cloud the future. Many of us carry heavy emotional, psychological, and health-related burdens. And of course, we are deeply concerned for Israel. For two years, Israel has been fighting a war in Gaza, forced upon her by a cruel and genocidal enemy. Hamas and its allies remain obsessed with destroying our only Jewish state. Israel faces a multi-front war — in Gaza, in the north with Hezbollah, in Judea and Samaria with constant attacks. Ten million Israeli citizens live under this threat, and this is a war that must be won.
Antisemitism, too, has risen across the globe. We see echoes of Europe before the Holocaust. We continue to grieve the horrific terror of October 7, 2023 — the slaughter of children and the elderly, rapes, kidnappings, and the unimaginable cruelty inflicted on Israeli civilians. Hamas still holds hostages in Gaza, subjecting them to unspeakable suffering. Here in the United States, Jews face hostility on college campuses, in the streets, and sometimes even in synagogues.
And yet, in the face of this, we cannot surrender to despair. We do not understand fully how God runs the universe — His will works in combination with our actions and our free will. Often, our plans seem so clear, so perfect — until suddenly they are upended. As the saying goes: “El ombre propone y D-io dispone” — “Man proposes, God disposes.” Our task is not to lose heart when our expectations are disrupted. Rather, this season awakens us to turn inward, to draw on our inner faith, hope, and belief in a better future, and to pray to the One who is All-Powerful.
We may not have a clear strategy, but if we assume a resigned attitude, we will lose even before we begin. Our Jewish tradition teaches us that every challenge and every adversity must be met with absolute fortitude and unwavering belief, as we pray to Hashem that victory is at hand. This is the very root of faith — faith that we will prevail with G-d’s help. That is how important Tefillah (Prayer) is. The fresh breaths of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and the resolve of our faith, give us the strength to counter the winds of uncertainty. Rosh Hashana is urging us: open the window of your heart and breathe in the fresh air of faith, just as you are. Smell the flowers of gratitude for what you have, and feel the hopeful breeze of your life.
At the beginning of the year, G-d decides and plans the entire year. This year, I am praying to Hashem to grant us miracles that we may witness with our own eyes — the Geulah Shelemah, the complete Redemption of our People in Israel. To vanquish all those who seek our destruction. To grant ultimate victory to our IDF soldiers, to bring home all our hostages safely, and to heal our wounded soldiers. To bless all the sick congregants of our entire community with Refuah Shelema — a complete recovery. To grant us and our families a good, healthy, and peaceful year, with good Parnassa (livelihood), so that we may be able to do Tzedaka and acts of kindness for others.
May we all be blessed to receive good news from our children and grandchildren.
May there be harmony and blessing in our congregation, Magain David, as well as in every congregation. May the efforts of our members be crowned with success, strengthening and uplifting our community. May this year draw us closer to our complete redemption, and may we be granted an anyada buena y salud.
"Tizku Leshanim Rabbot Neimot Vetovot. Amen."
Rabbi Simon and Cecilia Benzaquen
