This month we observe the High Holidays, which start with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. While Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the year, it literally translates as the ‘head of the year’. Why call this special day the ‘head of the year’?
Rosh Hashanah commemorates the birth of humanity—the day when humankind first came into being and has since thrived and grown. Humanity has faced countless challenges, but with determination, we have flourished. Our resilience and capacity for renewal come from our ongoing effort to shape the world into a more meaningful and beautiful place.
Each year, Rosh Hashanah presents a unique moment for personal reflection and renewal. It’s an opportunity to build upon who we are right now and to grow in the coming year. On Rosh Hashanah, we traditionally dip apples in honey wishing each other a sweet New Year. We have the ability to grow and thrive as we move into the New Year. Just as the head leads the body, we can head and lead the next chapter of humanity with sweetness and blessing.
At the JAA we also take this time to celebrate our milestones. We reflect on the achievements and blessings from the past year and look forward to sharing the blessings of compassion, care, and dedication to our residents, staff, families, and community in the coming year.
May we all be blessed for a ‘Shana Tova’- a good and sweet New Year for our friends, family, community, and world at large.
-Rabbi Dovid Small