Jody Pollack’s Rosh Hashanah Message for 2026

This is such an important time in the Jewish World and American history. We get to “reset the clock” for ourselves and start anew but we need to continue to keep our eyes and ears open as the antisemites are out in full force and the Jewnos (Jews in name only) are the kapos of the day. They are cozying up to the crowing crowd thinking that if they say the right things and kiss up to the noisiest of the noisy, then they will be spared of the hatred being spewed. Remember the recent Women’s March? Jewish women were kicked out of it because it turned into a pro-Palestine march. We weren’t even afforded “separate but equal”, it was “get out and go away” before we chase you down. We unfortunately have seen this movie before and it never ends well for any of us.
We must not only remain strong in our Jewishness, but also be ready to defend it. Think of the millions who came before us, not just the victims of the shoah but those who came and went after Abraham’s time. Their histories, memories and souls are on our shoulders and we mustn’t let them down by trying to appease the crowd or running to hide.
We can and will continue to survive but we must ensure that our children know where we came from, why we do what we do tradition wise, why we are here and why we must remain proud and strong. Remember, if the Nazis couldn’t get rid of us, do you really think the pishikers of today can? They can’t, but if we let our guard down, we can do it to ourselves.
Shana Tovah.

Jody Pollack is a member of the Hebrew Order of David and is the retired Executive Director of the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival.