October 2, 2024 / 29 Elul 5784
A traditional Rosh Hashanah greeting reads:
תכלה שנה וקללותיה, תחל שנה וברכותיה
tikhleh shanah v’kil’loteha, tahel shanah u’virkhoteha
May this year’s troubles end, and a new year of blessing begin!
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A beautiful poem (called Ahot K’tana and attributed to Abraham Hazzan of Gerona) recited in Sefardic synagogues on the night of Rosh Hashanah, expands on the idea, asking God to heal us and raise up our spirits as a new year begins.
When will You raise up Your daughter from the pit; and from the dungeon, break her yoke? May You act wondrously when You go forth like a hero, to bring an end and conclusion to her ailments. May this year’s troubles end!
As this most challenging and difficult year draws to a close, that’s the prayer on my heart. May our ailments – physical, spiritual, emotional – come to an end. And may the new year be one of blessing for all of us, for our people, for all of humanity, for all.
Or in Abraham Gerundi’s words: Be strong and rejoice for the turmoil will end; place hope in the Rock and keep God’s covenant. May a new year of blessing begin!
May it be so between and among us.
All of us at Beth Am Israel join me and my family in wishing you a sweet, peaceful, joy filled new year. May it be a year of abundant blessing indeed.
Shanah Tovah!
Rabbi David
