Robyn Spizman Gerson's Rosh Hashanah Message for 2026

Robyn Spizman Gerson shares her thoughts and inspiration for this year's High Holidays.

By Robyn Spizman Gerson August 26, 2026, 1:08 pm Edit

Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times best-selling author of many books, including “When Words Matter Most.” She is also a communications professional and well-known media personality, having appeared often locally on “Atlanta and Company” and nationally on NBC’s “Today” show. For more information go to www.robynspizman.com.

The Sounds of Renewal in The New Year
When I was a little girl growing up at the Ahavath Achim Synagogue, I vividly remember when our children’s services ended, we’d pile into the main sanctuary, and race to sit with our families just in time to hear the shofar blown. The blast of the new year was exciting and momentous.
My grandparents of blessed memory, Annie and Morris Freedman, lived across the street from the synagogue, and my grandfather was known as the gatekeeper welcoming congregants daily. Rabbi Epstein’s sermons always embraced Israel, and it was the timely topic at our Rosh Hashanah lunch that followed.
As the shofar sounds each year, the congregation chimes in with awe as the shofar blower holds the last note and comes up for air. The breadth and depth of that tradition and moment reverberate a symbol of faith for the new year.
This year may Israel and our Jewish people stay safe and we hope peace will prevail. With every breath we take, may our people live a Jewish life proudly out loud. As the holiday arrives, and we stand together, may we lift our voices in prayer and promise. Let us speak up and return to the joy that a new year can bring. Let the sound of the shofar continue to be an eternal reminder within us and a profound voice for renewal, remembrance, resilience, and the state of Israel.