BY DIANE SLOYER
As we enter this special time of year, the rhythm of the Jewish calendar centers our lives in a way that is both timeless and deeply grounding. The fall holidays – Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah – weave together a tapestry of tradition, ritual, and story that links us to generations past while guiding us toward a brighter future. These moments provide an opportunity to celebrate our heritage but also to strengthen our connection to one another.
In a world where crises challenge us daily – whether close to home or across the globe – we need the lessons of our tradition more than ever. Judaism teaches us the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the enduring belief that light can always emerge from darkness.
As the book of Kohelet teaches:
“עֵת לִבְכּוֹת וְעֵת לִשְׂחוֹק, עֵת סְפוֹד וְעֵת רְקוֹד”
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4)
Our resolve as a community is being tested, as we go from joyous celebration to mourning from moment to moment. It is precisely during such times that we must choose strength, solidarity, compassion, and generosity. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that the ties that bind us remain unshakable. Some of you contribute with acts that are visible and large – organizing initiatives, leading services, or helping neighbors in need. Others act quietly but no less powerfully – offering a supportive word, making a phone call to check in on a friend, or contributing your time and resources to sustain our communal institutions.
Each act, big or small, makes a difference. Together, these gestures form the fabric of community life: one built of kindness, courage, and an unwavering commitment to care for one another.
The Jewish New Year offers us the sacred invitation to reset. It asks us to pause, to take stock of our lives, and to commit anew to the values that define who we are and who we want to be. It reminds us that while we cannot control the challenges that come our way, we can choose how we respond – with generosity, with resilience, and with love. Let this holiday season be one of renewed commitment!
May we draw strength from our heritage, comfort from one another, and inspiration from the belief that, together, we can create a better future.
Being part of United Jewish Federation’s annual campaign will have a lasting impact with every gift making a meaningful difference for the community. It truly is one gift doing a world of good! A successful 2025 campaign will ensure our community agencies and synagogues are supported, and UJF initiatives like this newspaper and our ever-growing security budget are sufficiently funded.
If you would like to connect with me, I can be reached at dianesloyer@ujf.org.
With tremendous gratitude, I wish you and your family continued reason to find joy and connection!
Chag Sameach!