A year of prayer like never before

As we embark on a new year, it’s no exaggeration to say that we are living in historic times. The past 12 months have included a level of pain and loss unlike anything we have experienced since the end of World War II.

Yet, beyond the pain and tragedy, it’s worth recognising the remarkable emergence of hope and faith, serving as a source of optimism for the future. In the face of death and fear, a distinct power of community and communal strength has shone through. Certainly, the bravery of our soldiers stands out, but no less important was the spirit of volunteerism that was witnessed across all aspects of Jewish society.

Diaspora Jewry’s solidarity was expressed in so many ways, even as we were confronted with the disturbing rise of the latest wave of antisemitism. Once again, when Jews were faced with the worst of humanity, we chose to show that dignity and solidarity must prevail.

When comparing the Jewish world with other nations, it’s worth looking at the difference between how we celebrate and usher in the new year. Rosh Hashanah isn’t simply turning to a page on the calendar, an event marked by parties and celebrations. Rather it’s a day of spiritual change, calling to the heavens, asking that through the actions of teshuva (repentance), tefilla (prayer), and tzedakah (charity) we should be blessed to reverse any evil decrees.

Critically, while every one of us asks for heavenly intervention on an individual basis, we are just as importantly asking G-d to bless us on a communal and national level.

The power of prayer on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is similarly magnified exponentially when it is in the presence of others.

From a practical perspective, we can internalise this increased power through the emotion of the song and prayer which define these days. As more voices join in harmony, we can literally feel the strength of our prayers moving higher and higher towards heaven.

My prayer and blessing to our friends around the world is to hold on to and harness this power of community and Jewish unity.

Our prayers are certainly multifold, but must take into consideration the historic place we find ourselves in:

• We pray for a year where social justice creates a better, more tolerant, and more loving world;
• We pray that the shofar blasts will be accompanied by shouts of joy and celebration to drown out the cries of pain that have become all too common over the past year;
• We pray for a year in which our people in Israel and around the globe will find the path to embrace our Jewish identity more quickly and warmly, and where our faith and traditions will become a source for unity, never division;
• A year where our songs and prayers will reach deep into our hearts and souls to inspire a heightened connection to our peoplehood;
• A year where we will be sure to turn to our neighbours with smiles and an outstretched hand, and promise that we will allow love to overcome any twinges of animosity or discord;
• A year where those searching will find their mates and be blessed to meet under the chuppah and begin to build a Jewish home; and
• A year where simcha (happiness) becomes the standard bearer for all Jewish homes, families, and communities.

May these, alongside so many other individual, communal, and national prayers be answered. As all too often in centuries past, our prayers come from a position of pain, loss, and uncertainty. But just as we have been redeemed throughout history, let us believe with our full hearts that once again, out of that pain will come growth, peace, and prosperity.

From Israel, we wish everyone Shana tova, not only a good new year, but a year inspired by change that will ensure a brighter future for Israel and the greater Jewish world.

• Rabbi Yuval Cherlow is the director of the Tzohar Center for Jewish Ethics.