The word on the street is that the holidays are early this year. This is when someone inevitably says, “No, the holidays are the same every year.” Indeed, Rosh Hashanah always falls on the first of the Jewish month of Tishrei, yet we also note that they start the evening of September 9th. We are members of the global world and we are Jews. Some may look at the Gregorian calendar as a distraction from the Jewish calendar, allowing only one calendar to reflect our yearly rhythms. In fact, the Israeli Rabbanut, the rabbinic ruling body in Israel, will take away kashrut certification from a restaurant that holds a New Year’s Eve celebration, as if it threatens the foundation of Jewish life to acknowledge and identify with other streams of life.
One of the great benefits of living in an accepting environment is that people of all faiths share space, schools and social halls. We drive on the same highways (disgruntled on Long Island) and we share the same cul-de-sacs. We coordinate our calendars and this year, Rosh Hashanah comes early in the scheme of Labor Day BBQs and 1st days of school. In fact, on the 2nd Day of Rosh Hashanah, we will also be acknowledging the anniversary of September 11th, a day of great tragedy in our nation’s history.
The question of whether we call ourselves American Jews or Jewish Americans is outdated now. It’s not about the conflict of diaspora identity vs. Jewish identity. That is too black and white to be accurate. We have so many more identities that weave together to create our inner tapestries. Our inner selves will be more vibrant if we cultivate each strand.
In our parasha, Nitsavim, we read: “I cause heaven and earth to witness upon you today. I put life and death before you, blessing and curse. And you shall choose life, in order that you shall live, you and your offspring” (Deuteronomy 30:19). In each generation we pursue life. For our ancestors that has often meant that they needed to travel great distances to escape hostile regimes. My family came to America to choose life and every day that I cultivate a healthy democracy and also a rich, inner Jewish life, do I choose life and honor their hard work.
May this be a year of busy calendars and times for rest. May we mindfully make time to nourish our Jewish lives and may we participate in the greater world, contributing, organizing, and supporting an accepting community where freedom and love reign.
5:30 PM Climb on the Fire Truck with Rabbi Bernstein and learn about Fire Safety 6:30 PM Family Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Saturday
9:00 AM Nosh and Drosh 9:45 AM Shabbat
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