Looking Forward to the New Year

The new year of 5763 is approaching. How new will it be? No doubt we would all like the new year to herald a new beginning, free of violence and fanaticism, with some signs - however miniscule - that Israelis and Palestinians are beginning to walk together along the path of reconciliation. Judaism is not a fatalistic religion. Each Rosh Hashanah our tradition encourages us to face the year ahead in a spirit of tikvah, hope, with the conviction that we are responsible for what happens to us and can change our lives for the better. But what can we do about events beyond our reach?

Rosh Hashanah: The word shanah, 'year', also means 'change'. Although we live through the calendar year after year, each year is different - we follow a cycle, and we also move on, spiralling into the future. But sometimes it doesn't feel like we do. The world feels stuck. Change feels impossible to achieve. We all feel dominated by external forces beyond our control. But while we can't transform the world, we can take responsibility for our own lives, and we can determine how we respond to the pressures of life. If we can't hope for a new world on the first of Tishri, we can resolve to meet the problems we face in new ways. We don't have to continually repeat our mistakes; we can all try fresh approaches to the issues we confront.

Rosh Hashanah: The word rosh means 'head'. Moving forward, despite the obstacles in our path, involves using our heads, as well as our hearts, and not giving in to despair: thinking before we act; studying alternative options closely; learning from our experience, and from Jewish teachings. Judaism gives us many goals to strive for-harmony, peace, justice. But perhaps most important, because Judaism is less an 'ism' and more a way of life, our tradition teaches us to live by linking our lives together. During the past year, BHPS has seen many changes: more opportunities for adult learning; the move of the Religion School to Shabbat mornings; the re-introduction of chavurah meals and onagim; the revitalisation of religious services; the introduction of a Friends scheme; the refurbishment of the Library, the Montefiore Hall and the kitchen; the adoption of a new name and logo. As a result of these developments, more and more people are participating in the life of our congregation. And in small ways, by creating a hub of peace and friendship here, and reaching out as well as in, we are making a difference to the world, too. Chazak, chazak venitchazeik: May we be strong and continue to strengthen one another in the new year - and may each one of us experience many moments of blessing. Shanah Tovah!