These Holy Days

This year, as so many are struggling with the events of October 7, the suffering of the hostages, the tragic loss of life, and the terrifying rise of antisemitism in the United States and beyond, the texts and observances of Rosh Hashanah through Simchat Torah are open to new and difficult meanings, new interpretation, and deep connections. There are so many questions. How do we deal with the idea of Yom Hadin? How do we read Eileh Ezkerah? Unetaneh Tokef? Will we feel differently experiencing the fragility of the Sukkah? How will we dance with the Torah on a Hebrew date that reverberates with such immense pain? We will be experiencing both the secular date and Hebrew yahrzeit of the events of October 7 during the holiday season. These Holy Days is intended to support the Jewish community's prayers and spirits through Elul and Tishrei. May the year to come find us healing, united, and strengthened. Am Yisrael Chai!