Let the Shofar Sound

 

Rosh Hashanah - October 3-4

Literally meaning “Head of the Year,” Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar. It begins a 10-day period of repentance and prayer which ends on Yom Kippur. We celebrate the holiday with services and apples dipped in honey to symbolize the hope for a sweet year to come.

Shanah Tova, or Good Year to the Jews I know and all those who are entering into this essential season in the Jewish year. This is always a meaningful time for Jews around the world but I wonder if this year may be different because it will include the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas. During this year anti-Semitism has been on the rise in many countries, including Canada with attacks on synagogues and schools, as well as confrontations that have left individuals feeling unsafe.

 In part this is because of the disproportionate retribution by the state of Israel in Gaza and the West Bank which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, including children. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced and starvation is a looming reality. 

Israel is essentially a secular state with a predominantly Jewish population, some religious but the majority non-practicing. This confuses many who have been deeply disturbed the Israel's response in the Palestinian territories and those who already hated Jews have used it as justification for their prejudices. 

There are vocal groups of Jews in various places, including rabbis,  who have condemned Israel's extreme response as contrary to biblical justice and mercy. They have been criticized by those who are in solidarity with the country. 

Does this all seem confusing, a morass of conflicting outlooks? It is complex and the temptation is to choose one side or the other. I would hope that Rosh Hashana and this ten day period will be a time of sombre reflection and prayer. The escalation of violence seems to have no "end game", no sense of the outcome other than more "eye for an eye." 

I hope that as this new year begins there can be a renewed sense of promise rather than dread for Jews around the world. We can anticipate that the shofar, the ram's horn, will be sounded for justice and peace during Rosh Hosanah.