Letter: A New Year in the Fall

Rabbi Alana Wasserman GSJC PHOTO

New Year’s is often a time of reflection and renewal. We look back on the year that has passed, while, at the same time, looking forward to the year to come. Many people make New Year’s resolutions, in the hopes of a better future.

But I bet you are wondering why I would be talking about New Year’s now, when we haven’t even entered into the fall yet. Well, fall will be here soon, and when it arrives, so does a new school year for our children, and for the Jewish community, Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year. Thus, I already have New Year’s on my mind.

At this time of year, the Jewish community is engaged in a period of self-reflection. We take an accounting of our souls, known in Hebrew as a cheshbon hanefesh. We think about the past year: all of our misdeeds and all of our accomplishments. We think of all the things we did well, and all the things we could have done differently or better. We seek forgiveness from those whom we have wronged, and forgive those who have wronged us, so that we may begin the new year with a clean slate. While this may seem like a lot of deep, introspective work, it is also extremely rewarding and hopeful.

If you are looking for a Jewish community for the High Holy Days, please join me at Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation in Southington. I invite you to call us at 860.276.9113 or visit our website for our schedule of services at www.gsjc.org.

For all those who observe a new year at this time, I wish you a Shanah Tovah, a Happy New Year!

Rabbi Alana Wasserman