Jody Pollack's Rosh Hashanah Message for 2024

Rosh Hashana 2024

Last Rosh Hashana we were filled with naïve optimism about how positive opportunities were on the horizon and how we should make the most of them for the greater good of the community. Then Oct. 7 happened, and the grim reality of our tenuous position in this bizarro world was exposed to us in no uncertain terms. Our hearts were torn out by the events of that day as we suffered through unimaginable pain, sorrow and embarrassment. How could this happen again? Didn’t the fact that we already endured the holocaust give us a “free ride” to never have it happen again? Isn’t that what “Never Again” was all about?

This time we knew without a doubt that the world’s reaction would be different. There would be worldwide indignation and condemnation of the perpetrators and boundless support for Israel. Well, all of that happened for about 24 hours. Then the switch flipped and while we were reeling from the massacre, the indignation and condemnation was aimed at us for fighting back and the support went to the bad guys. The antisemites started popping up all around us in unimaginable places and supported by many we thought were our friends. From neighbors to teachers and professors. Politicians began openly supporting the terrorists. People we thought were intelligent enough to see the difference between right and wrong were taking the opportunity to take a whack at the Jewish pinata.

Now, here we are a year later. Too many lives have been lost on our side. The other side can live or die with the consequences of their actions and silent collaboration. Sorry but I have no room in my heart for their self-imposed situation.

To answer the question, “Over the last 100 years do you feel Rosh Hashanah has changed for your family and community?”, unfortunately the answer is no and yes. No change; the antisemites and ambivalent governments are still around as well as the opportunists that want to join in whacking the pinata. Yes, a change; this time we are fighting back and hitting them harder than they ever imagined and every now and then someone who recognizes right from wrong speaks up on our behalf.
In reality, we control our own destiny. If we want to see Israel continue to exist for the next 100 years, we must continue supporting her, shout down the antisemites and support our true friends so they keep supporting us in our dire time of need.

Do what you can so we all can continue to live in freedom and help those that are struggling so we can be optimistic again. If not for this year, then for next year.

L’shanah Tova.

Jody Pollack is the Executive Director of the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival.