As Jews in America and around the world celebrate the first of the High Holy Days I want to extend my warmest wishes for the New Year. L’shana Tova Tikatevu – may you be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life.
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the spiritual calendar and the birth of the world. It serves as a reminder of the special relationship between God and his children, now and always. And it calls us to look within ourselves – to repent for our sins; recommit ourselves to prayer; and remember the blessings that come from helping those in need.
Today, those lessons ring as true as they did thousands of years ago. And as we begin this New Year, it is more important than ever to believe in the power of humility and compassion to deepen our faith and repair our world.
At a time when too many of our friends and neighbors are struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads, it is up to us to do what we can to help those less fortunate.
At a time when prejudice and oppression still exist in the shadows of our society, it is up to us to stand as a beacon of freedom and tolerance and embrace the diversity that has always made us stronger as a people.
And at a time when Israelis and Palestinians have returned to direct dialogue, it is up to us to encourage and support those who are willing to move beyond their differences and work towards security and peace in the Holy Land. Progress will not come easy, it will not come quick. But today we had an opportunity to move forward, toward the goal we share—two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
The scripture teaches us that there is “a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” In this season of repentance and renewal, let us commit ourselves to a more hopeful future.
Michelle and I wish all who celebrate Rosh Hashanah a sweet year full of health and prosperity.
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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8 Responses
SOMEHOW I GET THE FEELING THAT WHEN GEORGE BUSH SAID THIS SAME SPEECH HE SAID IT WITH A LITTLE MORE HONESTY AND FEELING. WELL ONLY MY GUT FEELING. MAYBE IM WRONG.
I wonder who wrote the speech for him. It’s weird having the president telling us what R’H is about… and that it’s a time for prayer and repentance- no?
#1 did Obama say this speech last year?
I think its b/c it’s an election year
When Bush tried this speech they had to remove anything even mildly Hebrew as he simply couldn’t pronounce it. Rosh became Rich and Hashana became Hhmph.
At least Obama is an excellent orator.
RavBaruch, Not to compare, but Hitler was an excellent orator as well.
A shakran, a sonai Yisrael. Not even worth reading what he said.
Very nice reading of the teleprompter. Why do I feel like barfing whenever I hear his speak?
By the way RavBaruch, Pres. Bush has a genuine affection for the Frum community. He also gives/gave Tzeddakah to Jewish organizations. The guy is genuine and a mentch, not like this phoney.
Mr. Obama, Rosh Hashana isn’t only a day of repentance, it is also a day of prayer. Prayers of hope and prayers for the future. One of the most significant and highly-emotional prayers is ‘Our Father Our King’ (Avinu Malkeinu). We pray to G-D to cease all bad decrees and stop those plotting bad upon us. We pray that G-D should crush our enemies and their plans. We also pray to G-D, he should support us financially. I believe that had we prayed somewhat better this past Rosh Hashana your legislative agenda would fail. That is regarding both; the social and economic decisions you decided on. That includes your judicial picks for the courts and selections to run the Justice Department. That refers to your foreign policy; embracing and bowing to those who wish death upon us. I doubt you would be so excited about Rosh Hashana had you know what it entails. May G-D indeed accept our prayers and ‘renew’ this upcoming year to a better economy. May the curses of yesteryear stay behind and let the new year begin with its blessings of prosperity and peace.