In the coming year, don't miss out on life

On Rosh Hashanah we stand at the crossroads of time, looking back with gratitude and forward with hope. It's a time for self-reflection and self-renewal. A reminder that we have the power to evolve, to rise above our circumstances, and to continually strive to be better versions of ourselves. We're encouraged to seek understanding in the face of differences, and to sow seeds of kindness and compassion.

The shofar, a musical instrument made from a ram's horn, is blown not once, not twice, but 100 times, sending a timeless and unifying message heard all around the world. It echoes with urgency, inspiring a sense of renewal and change. It calls us to action, to choose optimism over pessimism, progress over stagnation, and kindness over indifference. It summons us to reflect on the past year, the challenges we've faced, the obstacles we've overcome, and the moments that have shaped us. And, in the process of introspection we're reminded that life is a journey we don't walk alone.

Rosh Hashanah calls upon us to strengthen our connections with others and to mend bridges. As (the great) Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Although spoken by a fictional character, these words hold deep and valuable meaning. How often do we rush through our days, lost in our thoughts or distracted by our devices, and miss out on simple yet extraordinary experiences? How often do we postpone our happiness, thinking it will come in some distant future? It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily routines, commitments, and engagements that can diminish our joy and sense of well-being, and distract us from attending to the friends and family we hold so dear. Yet, our relationship with ourselves and those around us are the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives.

So, as the sound of the shofar urges us to pursue our own aspirations, it simultaneously commands us to pause and appreciate the simple moments - the laughter shared with loved ones, the small victories, the lessons learned from failures, and the bonds forged. Each step on our path is an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and personal transformation. It's the people you meet along the way, the love you give and receive, and the moments you create that truly matter.

Whether you're Jewish or not, religious or not, I hope you'll pause to appreciate the present with gratitude and look ahead with optimism. Wishing you and yours a year of growth, resilience, and boundless joy. May you be inscribed for a good year in the Book of Life.

Ofira Bondorowsky

CEO, Jack & Lee Rosen JCC