Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller's Rosh Hashanah Message for 2024

Despite the tumultuous times, much of this year’s Rosh HaShanah will reflect the sweetness of a red apple. I believe that our communities will show up in a new way this year. I think our community members are thinking deeply about their Jewish identity, their role in the community, and their place in the wider world.

There are few things as sweet as Jewish homes looking to engage with Judaism. At the same time, this year’s Rosh HaShanah will be a bit sour, like a table full of green apples instead of the red ones. We’re all living with the complicated nuance of continuing our lives like normal, while simultaneously holding the traumas of Oct. 7 and the seemingly unending aftermath of the ongoing war.

We walk into Rosh HaShanah this year holding two apples in our hands — one sweet and one sour. Even in the moments that feel completely sour, may we remember to take a bite of the sweet.

Shanah Tova.

Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller is the Rabbi at Temple Emanu-El of Atlanta.