Dear Haverim,
This Friday night will be the last Shabbat of 2023! The year has passed so quickly. There were wonderful moments of joy for so many of us and sadness, anger, and worry for all of us after the tragedy in Israel on October 7.
The end of the year (Jewish or secular) always gives us a time to look back and ahead, to face regrets and to be proud of what we’ve accomplished. It’s a time to reassess our lives and decide how we want to use our time in the coming year in the most constructive and mentschlich way. I hope all of us will take some time to look back and ahead, so that we enter the New Year with compassion, gratitude and appreciation.
This Friday evening will be a fun and engaging service of learning and celebration. There will be hats and horns to welcome in the New Year, two nights in advance! “Ask the Rabbi” will be the topic and, if you wish, ask me anything about Judaism, Jewish history, rituals and philosophy, Israel, American Jewish life or World Jewry (click here to RSVP).
I can’t wait to celebrate with you and teach you “everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Judaism, but were afraid to ask!”
Shana Tova/Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy, and productive New Year,
Rabbi Arnie Rachlis
