Rabbi Brian Glusman’s Rosh Hashanah Message for 2022

A mom was relaxing on the couch, trying to read a magazine when her five-year-old daughter wanted attention. The daughter wanted to play; she was bored. So, the mother ripped out a page from the magazine which happened to be a map of the world and tore it into 25 pieces. She gave the pieces to her daughter and asked her to put the pieces back together and come back when the project was complete.

Assuming it would take a long time, she was amazed when the daughter returned after a few minutes with a perfect map of the world.

“You have never even seen a map of the world! How could you have finished it so quickly?”

“It was easy,” answered the daughter. “I did not know how to piece the world together, but on the other side of the page was a picture of a person. Once I put the person together, the whole world fell into place!”

To create a better world, we must focus on people and relationships. Positive relationships make us happier, reduce stress, provide purpose, and help us live longer. Our relationships give meaning and purpose to our lives, which in turn make our world a better place.

Shana Tovah! May all be blessed with a healthy, happy, sweet and meaningful New Year!

Brian Glusman serves the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and is the visiting rabbi at Shearith Israel Synagogue in Columbus, Ga.