This may seem odd or even contrary to Jewish thought, but I have long considered the secular new year as a restart. On Rosh Hashanah we reflect, repent, and resolve to do better. I feel that the secular new year is an opportunity to reflect on my progress and restate or redirect my goals and wishes. I want to share some of my wishes for the secular new year.
First, I wish that Covid-19 becomes endemic. I fear that masks, testing, and vaccine boosters will be part of our lives for some time, but my wish is that with these measures we can slowly continue to resume the activities that define us as a community. I hope that our religious school students can continue to learn together in person and I hope that we can continue to pray together in person.
Second, I wish that we all can be patient with each other. We still have very difficult decisions to make and we may not all agree with the choices. I hope that our clergy and leadership can work together with the support of our community to adapt to our ever changing circumstances.
Finally, I wish for help. This has been an extremely stressful time for leadership and we are tired – or at least I am. It is an honor to serve as president of TBH, but my term ends in June as do the terms of several board members. We need new board members and officers. We need new ideas and energy. Please consider helping our community. We really need you.
I wish us a happy and healthy secular new year.
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel ~ Michael R Cohen, President, Temple Beth Hillel
From the President – Dec. 31, 2021
December 31, 2021 by tbhrich • president
This may seem odd or even contrary to Jewish thought, but I have long considered the secular new year as a restart. On Rosh Hashanah we reflect, repent, and resolve to do better. I feel that the secular new year is an opportunity to reflect on my progress and restate or redirect my goals and wishes. I want to share some of my wishes for the secular new year.
First, I wish that Covid-19 becomes endemic. I fear that masks, testing, and vaccine boosters will be part of our lives for some time, but my wish is that with these measures we can slowly continue to resume the activities that define us as a community. I hope that our religious school students can continue to learn together in person and I hope that we can continue to pray together in person.
Second, I wish that we all can be patient with each other. We still have very difficult decisions to make and we may not all agree with the choices. I hope that our clergy and leadership can work together with the support of our community to adapt to our ever changing circumstances.
Finally, I wish for help. This has been an extremely stressful time for leadership and we are tired – or at least I am. It is an honor to serve as president of TBH, but my term ends in June as do the terms of several board members. We need new board members and officers. We need new ideas and energy. Please consider helping our community. We really need you.
I wish us a happy and healthy secular new year.
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Michael R Cohen, President, Temple Beth Hillel