On this erev Rosh Hashanah, we have the opportunity to take stock of our Jewish world and to recommit ourselves to the work ahead.

We begin with our 48 beloved hostages who are still in Gaza. And then our hearts and minds go to the tens of thousands of IDF soldiers and reservists who are engaged in the dangerous work of defending our people and our land. We pray for their safety and success. 

Here at home, incidents of antisemitism and violence still plague our cities, our streets, and our college campuses. Jewish students continue to face hostility for simply expressing their identity. Online spaces are increasingly filled with toxic rhetoric that isolates and endangers our community.

At the same time, we are witnessing a remarkable surge in Jewish engagement and involvement. Though perhaps unleashed by the events of October 7, 2023 and the rise of antisemitism in America, this surge is an undeniable opportunity to strengthen our communities and the Jewish people for the long term.
Our incredible Jewish Federation system is responding. We are helping Rebuild Israel physically, mentally and spiritually – currently 141 Federations are working in over 200 communities across Israel, supporting education, resilience, and economic recovery. 

We have built full-time, professional security programs in 135 communities and we will continue to increase our level of vigilance.

We have increased our engagement with the broader communities in which we live to be clear that antisemitic behaviors and the people who encourage them cannot be tolerated in our civil society.

And we are investing in day school education, summer camps, Hillels, JCCs, Israel trips and new and increasing programs of Jewish learning. We are seeing a new generation of young Jews stepping forward, on campus, in volunteer service, and in communal leadership, with pride and resilience.

As we collectively bring in Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, in every congregation the sound of the shofar will be a central element of the prayer service.

The renowned 10th-century leader of Babylonian Jewry, the brilliant and sage Rabbi Saadia Gaon, taught that the reason we sound the shofar on Rosh Hashanah is to commemorate the moment of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.

But what is it about the shofar that connects it to the revelation at Mt. Sinai? The vital and brilliant commentator Rashi points out to us in Exodus that this moment is the first time the Jewish people are referred to as the singular Yisrael–Israel. Throughout their travels in the desert, the Jewish people experienced moments of disunity and dissatisfaction. But at the gathering at the foot of Mt. Sinai, the Jewish people — every soul, all of us — were gathered k’ish echad b’lev echad — as one person with one heart. Everyone, together, accepted the Torah, fully united as a tightly knit and loving family.

Here in North America, we are blessed to live in communities that have embraced this vision of unity. Our Jewish Federations, our schools, our synagogues, our agencies and our countless volunteers embody this principle every day: that no Jew is ever alone.

This is the Jewish way. It is why the Jewish people have long been recognized as a model of generosity and solidarity. And it is why, despite all the challenges of the present moment, We remain confident that our collective future is strong, vibrant, and enduring.
As we enter 5786, let us commit to responding with continued unity, compassion, and responsibility. Let us ensure that every Jew, wherever they may be, knows they are not alone.

As we hear the sound of the shofar this Rosh Hashanah, may we listen not only with our ears, but with our hearts.
May we be moved to greater kindness, deeper faith, and stronger unity. May our people — across North America, in Israel, and around the globe — be inscribed in the Book of Life. And may the year ahead bring blessing, peace, and redemption for all of humanity.

Shanah Tovah U’Metukah — a sweet and good new year.

 

Gary Torgow is Chair of the Board of Trustees and Eric D. Fingerhut is President & CEO of Jewish Federations of North America.