Meliss Jakubovic's Rosh Hashanah Message for 2024

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, I find myself reflecting on the beautiful cycle of renewal this holiday brings to our Atlanta community. It’s a time when we gather in shul, reconnecting with familiar faces— some friends we only see once a year. It’s like a “Same Time, Next Year” moment, where we find ourselves in the same place at the same time year after year, catching up and sharing stories.

I cherish the memories woven into this season. As an Ima, I’ve delighted in baking round challot, taking my children apple picking through the years, and dipping those crisp, sweet apples in honey. We gather around the table, singing songs that echo from our childhood, feeling that unique blend of excitement and nostalgia. Each year, as we sit down for big, delicious meals with the people we love, we celebrate not just the food but the connections that make these moments special.

When I catch up with community members, I’m reminded of how our conversations evolve. Years ago, we spoke about toddlers taking their first steps; now, we’re discussing driver’s licenses and college plans. Each greeting highlights how life unfolds, filled with new milestones and shared memories.

What I cherish most is how Rosh Hashanah weaves our stories together, creating a tapestry of shared experiences. While our routines and traditions as Jews may differ—some keep kosher in their own unique ways, others have different customs—we come together with the same spirit of new beginnings. We share in the excitement of “missing school” for the holiday and the sense of starting fresh, filled with hope and possibility.

As we gather around the table, let’s celebrate not just the sweetness of apples and honey, but also the richness of our community. May this Rosh Hashanah offer us new beginnings, meaningful conversations, and blessings that fill our hearts. Let’s also take a moment to remember the importance of peace in Israel and around the world and the hope for the safe return of loved ones being held hostage, as we keep our Israeli families there close in our hearts.

Here’s to a Shana Tova Umetuka—a sweet new year for all of us. Together, let’s embrace the opportunities ahead and cherish the ties that bind us. And let’s also take a moment to congratulate the Atlanta Jewish Times on 100 years of connecting our community—here’s to many more!

Meliss Jakubovic is Atlanta’s Israeli folk dance instructor and online marketing strategist.