In the absence, due to the holiday season, of the usual briefing from Israel by Orly Halpern, we thought we'd start the morning with a little round up of Rosh Hashanah-related news, accompanied by out best wishes for a sweet New Year to all.
- "As we stand poised on the threshold of the New Year, it is my distinct pleasure to convey my heartfelt good wishes to all the Jewish communities around the world, in my name and on behalf of your brethren in Israel, eager to embark upon another year with hope and optimism," Israeli President Shimon Peres said in a published statement.
- In addition to a photo slideshow of Ultra-Orthodox Jews ushering in the New Year at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the Washington Post ran an article by Shmuel Herzfeld, a rabbi at The National Synagogue in Washington, about how to keep your New Year's resolutions.
- At the Forward, Ari Paul followed an assemblage of progressive Jews observing Rosh Hashanah at the one year anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement's birth: "For the social justice-minded Jews of OWS, the opportunity to mark the beginning of year 5773 on the Jewish calendar and Year Two of the movement was perfect." (Sarah Jaffe has more at AlterNet.)
- Jonathan Tobin writes at Commentary that, during this period of reflection, we should look carefully at our domestic politics and foreign policy. He concludes:
Jewish liturgy tells us that the fate of all humanity is decided during these Days of Awe but it also says that at teshuva (repentance), tefilla (prayer) and tzedaka (acts of justice and charity) may avert the severe decree. In that spirit of reflection and dedication to carrying on our task of informing and educating our readers in the coming year, we at COMMENTARY wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.
Disagree though we may on matters of politics and policy, we certainly share this last sentiment, and wish everyone a sweet New Year.
