Jody Pollack’s Rosh Hashanah Message for 2025
Jody Pollack shares his thoughts and inspiration for the new year.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is more than just a date change, it’s a spiritual reset. As the song goes, “If I could turn back time,” with apologies to Cher, I would send out multiple messages.
To the Israeli government/IDF: Pay attention to the noisy neighbors! Like when the children are playing and it gets really quiet, something is up! Go check on them, turn the lights on and preempt the upcoming disaster.
To the Israeli people: Be forever vigilant and always be prepared for the worst. You never know what the worst of the worst are planning and you are always their targets. Complacency is your enemy.
To the families of the hostages: I am so sorry that we failed you and you must endure the anguish and heartbreak caused by so many others who were lulled into a false sense of security.
And finally, to the worst of the worst themselves, Hamas, you have once more underestimated the Jewish people. We were here before you and we will be here after you. Your time is short so start lining up your virgins. You will be seeing them shortly. Hopefully they won’t mind you’re missing a part or two.
Jewish tradition teaches that on Rosh Hashanah, G-d opens the Book of Life, where our deeds for the coming year are inscribed. It’s a poetic way of saying our choices matter, and we’re given a chance to write a better story. The better story is near but still slightly out of reach.
Once this iteration of eliminate the Jews has concluded, we need to remember that Rosh Hashanah is also a holiday of connection between families and generations, between humanity and the divine. Even in the face of today’s struggles, it isn’t about guilt or fears about possibility. It reminds us that life isn’t fixed in stone. Mistakes don’t define us; what we do next does. We will rebuild our lives, we will remember those who we lost, we take care of those scarred by this horrific chapter and continue to be the beacon of hope and sanity in today’s world.
Jody Pollack is a member of the Hebrew Order of David and previous executive director of the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival.
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