Michal Bonell's Rosh Hashanah Message for 2024

Shana Tova!

As we gather to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, let us reflect on the past year and look forward to new beginnings. This sacred time invites us to pause, take stock of our lives, and renew our commitments to ourselves, our families, and our communities.

In the coming days, we will hear the shofar’s call, a sound that awakens our spirits and reminds us of our shared heritage. It calls us to introspection, to seek forgiveness from those we may have hurt, and to forgive those who have wronged us. This year let’s embrace the power of reconciliation and strive to strengthen our bonds with one another.

As we partake in the traditional foods—sweet apples dipped in honey and round challah—we symbolize our hopes for a year filled with sweetness and abundance. May our lives be enriched with joy, health, and prosperity, both personally and collectively. Let us also remember those in need, extending our hands and hearts to support our communities, fostering kindness and compassion wherever we can.

This year let’s commit to being agents of positive change, standing up for justice and peace, and living our values every day. Together, we can create a world that reflects the beauty of our traditions and the promise of a better tomorrow.

Michal Bonell is the Senior Account Manager and Team Supervisor for the Atlanta Jewish Times.