Friends,
On the eve of this new year, the Middle East faces unprecedented tumult, danger, and sorrow. The latest climate disaster, Helene, wreaked death and destruction across the American southeast. An imminent election holds profound potential consequences for our nation, our people, and our planet. And yet our lives unfold not on the grand scale of history, but in the humility of home. We meet the needs of the day on our own or with our partners, we support our families and friends, and we make countless choices every single day—individually and collectively—that define our communities, our cultures, our ecosystems, our countries, and our trajectory through time.
And now we enter a new year. How will you and I fare in 5785? How will the Jewish people do? What will happen in Israel? Or America? Will the Earth and its inhabitants evolve towards greater harmony and balance, or further apart?
If ever there were a Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to pour out our hearts in prayer, this is it. The traditional liturgy works for some of us. Others gather and raise our voices in song. Some daven (pray) in quiet meditation, whispering and crying in the corner. Others seek discussion, learning from and with our Rabbis and educators. Embodied practice is essential for many of us: exercise, yoga, and tai chi help us connect. Meditation can help us feel the embodiment of prayer. And there’s always the old-fashioned walkabout, where we take time to go visit and say hello to our home, the earth. Put away the phone and listen to and learn from the trees and flowers, plants and animals, and what they evoke inside of us. Adam and Adamah. People and planet.
Whatever works for you, however you best find a way to open your heart and soul: now’s the time. We need the full soul power of the Jewish people right now, and if we come together maybe somehow, we can help see things to a better place. So, when you feel the weight of sorrow these next few days and weeks, or when you feel that moment of awe, remember you are not alone, but rather spiritually attuned with and strengthened by people from all walks of life, all across the globe, who every day seek tikkun-repair in the world. Know that you are not alone, and that together, somehow, we will get through this.
May peace prevail.
May democracy endure.
May all those suffering find safety and solace.
And may we turn the tide.
L’Shana Tova U’Metukah
A good and sweet year for us all
Jakir Manela
CEO, Adamah
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