Dear Friends,

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, the shofar features prominently as a profound symbol in our tradition, one rich with layers of meaning that invite deep contemplation. Rosh Hashanah calls us not only to celebrate, but also to engage in self-reflection and communal introspection.

In my video message above, I speak to the multitude of interpretations of the ancient, primal practice of blowing the shofar.

It is a call to action — its blasts serve as a battle cry, a reminder to uphold our values and defend our community.

It beckons us to acknowledge our own pain, the suffering of others, and the collective grief we may be carrying. 

And it invites us to listen deeply to the voice within us. Who are we, where have we been, and where are we heading? The shofar calls us to pause, reflect, and assess our commitments to ourselves and to one another.

As we welcome the New Year, my blessing is that our hearts will be spacious enough to embrace the multitude of meanings the shofar represents. May we hold space for joy and sorrow, humble reflection and moral courage, and realism and hope as we embark on this journey of renewal together.

Wishing you and your families a Shanah Tovah — a year filled with health, sweetness, and peace. May we find inspiration in the call of the shofar, calling us toward deeper connection, reflection, and growth in the year to come.

Rabbi Marc Baker
President and CEO, CJP

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