Make Way for the New

During this last week before the High Holy Days, I offer this reflective poem, composed by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat and Rabbi David Evan Markus, on behalf of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal (with permission). May the new year bring you health, happiness, blessings, and gratitude. Thank you for being part of our caring, loving community of Congregation Emeth. You are my blessing.

The past year makes way for new.
Look back at our roads less traveled.
Lean forward into what’s yet to be
And dedicate yourself to building.

Look back at our roads less traveled:
Friday nights in mystical white…
Dedicate yourself to building
The vibrant future you dream for.

Friday nights in mystical white
Enliven the soul, bring hope to the heart.
The vibrant future you dream for:
The renewal of tomorrow is in your hands.

Enliven the soul, bring hope to the heart.
What do you yearn for?
The Renewal of tomorrow is in your hands.
Dare to dream what the future needs.

What do you yearn for?
Lean forward into what’s yet to be.
Dare to dream what the future needs
As the past year makes way for new.

Shabbat shalom and Shana tova! May you have a year of sweetness!

Rabbi Debbie Israel