The Power of human Choice- A Rosh Hashanah Messages

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year begins on Wednesday evening, October 2. It marks the end of the Jewish year 5784 and the start of 5785.

What a year it has been! Eleven months ago, on Simchat Torah (Oct 7), the most joyous of our Jewish Holidays, thousands of terrorists attacked towns, villages and even a music festival in Israel. They murdered, tortured, raped and kidnapped innocent victims in what has become the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

The events of that day have triggered an ongoing war with Israel’s neighboring enemies and beyond. Day and night the country defends itself from terrorists at its borders while fighting to return the many hostages still held in Gaza.

Unfortunately, multiple violent conflicts are occurring across the world from Ukraine to Sudan. In each of these wars, humans use violence to control and harm others.

Human beings have the capacity to be both the most productive creatures on earth and the most destructive. We have the amazing ability to improve, build and enhance our world so that we can thrive and grow. Alas, we have the capability to destroy, to ruin and damage as well.

Adam and Eve, the first people, were created on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Every year on their anniversary we celebrate the power of our humanness. We are the ‘Crowns of Creation’. G-d gifted us with a world made just for us! A place to create an oasis in which to live in peace and harmony but that same power can destroy and wreak havoc as well.

Throughout our history, humans have made unbelievable advancements, with new technologies and potentials. Our achievements have improved the world exponentially. Atomic energy, space exploration, medical advancements, digital tools, social media and AI are just some of the list of accomplishments made in recent years. Each of these modern tools can be used for the greatest growth but can cause even greater harm. The choice is ours to make.

As we usher in Rosh Hashanah, let us remember our potential. While some choose to use their power to harm, it is up to each one of us to use that same energy to do good. By impacting the world in a positive way, goodness spreads counterbalancing the evil others do.

Join our inspirational services on Rosh Hashanah at the Jewish Community Center led by the New York City Choir where no fee or membership is ever required. A seat, Kippah and prayer book awaits you, and we will gladly guide you through each step of the service. Bring your children to our special family service, sit together as a family while the prayers, stories and songs come to life and inspire you and your children.

Joining us at our services this year is Dvir Dangur, an Israeli Special Forces soldier who was severely injured in Gaza. Dvir will share his remarkable story as we remember and honor those who were lost in the aftermath of Oct 7th.

Get your free tickets to our High Holiday services at jccmb.com/highholidays.

May this year be filled with peace and blessings, bringing an end to the violence in the Holy Land of Israel and throughout the world. May we choose to do good so that we can impact the world and the people around us in the best possible way.