Renee Werbin's Rosh Hashanah Message for 2024

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, Oct. 2. It is virtually a year since the tragic date of Oct. 7, 2023, when a group of Palestinian terrorists launched an armed incursion into Southern Israel. Over 1200 of our brothers and sisters in Israel were tragically killed; hundreds more were maimed, raped and tortured. Over 240 of our people were abducted, and this Rosh Hashanah will arrive with more than 100 still in captivity. Additionally, most of the remaining hostages are believed to have already been killed. This is a tragedy of unheralded proportions.

Israel has been at war almost a year now. The staggering loss of IDF soldiers and the thousands of Israeli soldiers who have been wounded has taken a disastrous toll on our people. A year is about to pass; those in captivity remain in harm’s way and the war rages on. This is a lot to digest as we head into a new year.

The spiritual wake-up call of Rosh Hashanah beckons, and our thoughts turn to the coming year. We are navigating a new wave of antisemitism throughout the world and right here at home. Many college campuses have become breeding grounds of antisemitic rhetoric and often the establishment sits idly by and watches it happen. The winds of the Holocaust have awakened, heralding dire straits for our people.
We have a plethora of prayers as we enter this new year; prayers that we hope will resonate loud and clear to those in captivity. May they sense we are with them in spirit, praying for their safe return.

Rosh Hashanah’s mesmerizing prayers of hope, peace and tranquility offer a sense of rejuvenation for Jews throughout the world. May 5785 usher in an enriching and safe year where Jews can pray and wear their kippot without fear of reprisal. May our souls be nourished by our loved ones, our teachers, our rabbis and our dear friends. May our nurturing traditions of gathering for festive Rosh Hashanah meals filled with scrumptious foods that include apples dipped in honey, round delicate challahs and sweet, delicious tzimmes pass from generation to generation. L’dor V’dor. May 5785 herald a year of peace and tranquility for our Jewish brothers and sisters everywhere.

Wishing each of you a year of personal fulfillment, joy and good health. May your apples and your life always be dipped in honey.

L’Shana Tova Tikatevu!

Renee Werbin is the President, SRI Travel; Publisher and Co-Founder, Travelgirl Magazine.