In so many ways, these days and weeks of the last month of the Hebrew calendar, Elul, are both the end of the year ending and the entry point of the year approaching. My hope is that these days, as suggested by tradition, are days to reflect back and look forward. This has been a challenging year for our community around the world and the year ahead promises to be rewarding. In the year we are ending, 5786 in the Hebrew calendar, our community has been confronted with the challenges of antisemitic violence and the rhetoric of political candidates who challenge our priorities and commitments. We are called in the year to come to remain strong and resolute, committed to the well-being of our people everywhere we live. It is good to know and remember we are not alone—there are so many people locally and nationally who stand with us. My hope is that no matter what we see in the news we will always remember we are not alone, we have the blessings of communal strength and alliances upon which we can rely. While standing strong let’s also celebrate all that we are and have been—a people dedicated to faith and tradition and sacred ideals.
