OXFORD — New beginnings, in all their splendor and uncertainty, have a unique way of weaving excitement and trepidation into the fabric of our lives. Whether it’s the dawn of a new business venture or the promise of a fresh personal relationship, they offer us a tapestry of uncharted opportunities that both beckon and challenge us.
As the warm hues of autumn paint our world and a change of season comes upon us, a significant and deeply meaningful event takes center stage in the hearts and minds of Jewish communities worldwide: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This sacred holiday carries a universal message that resonates with us all — the importance of starting anew.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, begins this year at sundown on Friday, Sept. 15 and continues through nightfall on Sunday, Sept. 17. Literally meaning “head of the year,” the two-day holiday commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday. Families come together, hearts unite in prayer, and the search for forgiveness for past shortcomings begins. But beyond that, Rosh Hashanah symbolizes our collective embrace of new beginnings and the profound hope for a brighter year ahead.
The custom of blowing the shofar, the resonating call of a ram’s horn, is a poignant symbol of Rosh Hashanah. Its haunting sound serves as a wake-up call to rouse us from spiritual slumber and prompt us to reassess our lives. It’s a reminder that, no matter how far we may have wandered or how many stumbles we’ve taken, the opportunity to start anew and make amends awaits us all. In essence, Rosh Hashanah offers a universal lesson in the beauty of forgiveness, self-improvement, and the invaluable gift of second chances.
In a world that often feels awash in chaos and uncertainty, the idea of a fresh start holds a magnetic appeal. It presents us with a chance to reset the course of our lives, to shed old grievances and grudges, and to embark on a journey of self-improvement. Regardless of our backgrounds, we all carry aspects of our lives that could benefit from a rejuvenating restart.
As we approach this year’s Rosh Hashanah, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the profound significance of new beginnings. The possibilities which await and the change that we want to see during this coming year are there for us as long as we decide to take the right step forward. Let us draw inspiration from this sacred Jewish holiday to scrutinize our own lives, make amends where necessary, and chart a path towards a future filled with positive intent. As the customary Rosh Hashanah wish to one another goes, “L’shana Tova U’Metuka!”. Have a happy and sweet new year!
Rabbi Shmaya Hecht
Chabad Jewish Center of Oxford
