In just a few days, we will usher in the Jewish New Year of 5780. The great shofar will sound in synagogues around the world, piercing the air, giving us that yearly call. The call of the shofar has its own distinct sound. It wakes us up. It charges us forth.
My hope is that when we hear the sound of the shofar, it will call us to do a few things. First, may the fractured blasts of the shofar call us to do acts of Tikkun Olam - acts that repair the world. Acts of social justice, acts of kindness, and acts of understanding can help heal our fractured world. May the call of the shofar challenge us this coming year to do acts of Tikkun.
May the shriek of the shofar also be the sound that reminds us to return to our heritage. Many of us have been distant from our Jewish community. May the sound of the shofar remind us that, just like the gates of repentance, the doorways of Temple Beth Am are always open for you to come home. May the shofar’s call this year remind you of how important community can be for you and your family.
Lastly, when we hear the haunting sound of the shofar, may it remind us to reflect on our own actions. May it call us to take time out and realize where we have missed the mark and where we can be better for the sake of our friends, family, and our own souls. May the call of the shofar call us to become better people.
As 5780 begins, may we internalize all of the messages of the shofar. May it call us to heal our world, participate in the community, and challenge us to become better people. May this ancient tradition of hearing the sound of the shofar empower us to make the year 5780 a blessed and sacred year of peace for everyone.
Shanah Tovah U’m’tukah. May you have a happy and sweet new year, Rabbi Robbie
P.S. Don’t forget your shofar and your tallit on Rosh Hashanah morning.
