Ilyssa Klein’s Rosh Hashanah Message for 2026

As we approach the New Year, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with some of life’s most significant moments: joy, celebration, loss and, above all, gratitude.
This year, I was beyond proud to watch my daughter become a bat mitzvah. The service and celebration were filled with so much love, laughter and energy. Having our family and friends together to celebrate this important milestone was truly special, and it created memories that we will treasure for years to come.
One of the most meaningful parts of the bat mitzvah was having my grandmother there to celebrate with us. Watching my daughter become a bat mitzvah with her great grandmother and her grandparents by her side was a moment I will always cherish. Sadly, not long after that beautiful celebration, we said goodbye to my grandmother. Her loss has been difficult for our family, but I am incredibly grateful that she was able to be there for such an important milestone and share that special moment with us.
Experiencing such joy and loss in the same year has given me an even greater appreciation for the people who surround us. Through the happiest moments and the hardest ones, our family and friends have been there to celebrate with us, support us and remind us how lucky we are to have one another. This year has taught me to slow down, cherish the time we have together and never take those relationships for granted.
As we begin 5787, Rosh Hashanah gives us a chance to pause, reflect on the year behind us and look ahead with hope. I am entering this New Year with a grateful heart and a renewed appreciation for family, friendship and all of the moments, big and small, that make life so special.

Ilyssa Klein is the Senior Account Manager for Atlanta Jewish Times.