09/11/2026
Rosh HaShanah feels different this year. 5786 has been filled with too much turmoil and heartache for our Jewish community — globally, in Israel, across the U.S., in Michigan, and here in West Bloomfield in particular.
Ever since I was a teenager, I have always looked forward to our chaggim (Jewish High Holidays). Everything seems to slow down during this time, giving us an opportunity to reflect and re-focus on the most important things in life: family, faith, and of course, food.
Growing up, it felt amazing and incredible to me the way West Bloomfield seems to pause, and Walnut Lake Road slows to a crawl — with West Bloomfield Police driving traffic and keeping us safe. It felt remarkable to see just so many people doing the same thing at the same time, emerging from their homes to usher in the Jewish New Year. And then, after the service, grabbing donuts and cider at Franklin Cider Mill, which under no circumstances depressed my appetite for Mom’s brisket and Bubbie’s lukshen kugel.
It’s a ritual I always took for granted. This year, not so much. To be able to observe Rosh HaShanah safely and in peace inside the sanctuary at Temple Israel alongside my family, and so many constituents, is a privilege I will not take for granted this year or ever again.
I also know that our Jewish community is extremely divided right now, due to the upcoming election. I come to social media and all I see are good Jews tearing each other apart over how they are planning to vote. Of course, the stakes are extremely high. But, how individual Jews evaluate those high stakes and the consequences of their vote will differ. In 5787, I hope we will resolve not to attack each other for our differences, but come together despite them, and work to uplift our community and fight the perverse hatred, conspiracism, and extremism that threatens all Jews, no matter where we stand. In 5787, may we stop calling each other kapos or bad Jews or sellouts.
Instead, may we lead with curiosity and acceptance that we are a diverse community. And may we embrace the teaching that the world stands on three pillars: תורה (devoutness), עבודה (service), and גמילות חסדים (acts of lovingkindness).
For me, I am thinking about how, in this new year, I can re-dedicate myself to serving those around me more often and in more ways, with acts of lovingkindness. To those I have wronged or harmed, I ask your forgiveness, and know that I will seek to better myself in 5787.
To our Jewish community, I wish you a happy, healthy, and sweet new year! L'shanah tovah u’metukah!
