Rabbi Jason Holtz's Rosh Hashanah Message for 2025

The prompt I was invited to respond to for this column was: Rosh Hashanah soon upon us, what message would I send to Israel, to her leaders, to the families of the hostages, even to Hamas? The truth is, I am an American rabbi, not in a position to issue dictates across the sea. But I can share some thoughts.

To the families of the hostages: you are in our prayers. May the new year bring your loved one home.

To the people of Israel: you are not alone. We send love and strength. Israel is not simply an issue for us, Israel is family. I lived there for two years as a student and return often. I met my wife there. Here in America, nearly thirty Israelis worked this summer as counselors at Camp Coleman, where I’ve taught for years and where my kids spend their summers. We’re blessed to have an Israeli shin-shin be a part of our congregation every year, introducing Israel to our children and deepening the ties we have with you. Our bonds are deep; our hearts are with you.

To Israel’s leaders: Leading Israel is among the hardest tasks in the world. We pray that the strength you summon to protect the people will be matched by the wisdom of compassion. As Rav Kook taught, the greater the power of Israel grows, the more it must be filled with kindness and mercy. May this year bring the courage to pair strength with mercy, guiding Israel toward a future of justice and peace.

To Hamas: Words could reach such hardened hearts we would say: stop choosing death. Release the hostages. Let your people live.

And to ourselves, here in America: this is also our season of choice. We face rising antisemitism, polarizing debates, and moments when hope feels far away. The High Holy Days remind us that despair is never the Jewish path. We can’t control everything-or maybe even most things. But we are commanded to choose life to turn, to return, to act in with goodness, trusting that our choices and our deeds matter. May we choose life and merit a good new year.