Rosh Hashanah Thoughts

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over and as we head towards autumn, we are preparing to welcome the New Year into our homes and our hearts.

Erev Rosh Hoshanah falls on the 1st of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. In essence, the year’s Sabbath. It signals the start of the Days of Awe, a time of introspection when we can reflect on the past year and consider our actions as individuals and as part of our community. It is also a time to commit to self-improvement and to be a part of collective efforts to heal the world and pursue social justice.

Therefore, during the High Holidays, tzedakah, or acts of charity and justice, takes on special significance, alongside repentance (teshuvah) and prayer (tefillah).

This gives us an opportunity to consider what we can do to not just make ourselves better people, but how we can help improve the situation experienced by those in need.

Here at Solel, we have always contributed to our own community. Founding partners in the creation of both Pathway Non-Profit Community Developments and The Mississauga Food Bank, we have worked to create affordable housing and food security for many residents in Mississauga. In 2025, this led to the addition of six units to an existing Pathway Housing property, and we aided in the distribution of over 9 million meals by the Foodbank, a 55% increase over last year. As we continuously hear in the news, there is a constant need for affordable housing along with access to healthy and culturally appropriate food. It is worth noting that not just funding but also volunteers that are needed by these organizations and this too is a way of making our community a better place.

We also know that there is much need in Israel. While there are many different viewpoints about the situation there, we know that the individual people need our support. To that end, the Israel Religious Action Centre (IRAC) works tirelessly to promote social justice, human rights and religious pluralism in Israel. The New Israel Fund also supports projects and programs in Israel that fight for social and economic justice, religious freedom, civil and human rights, shared society and anti-racism, Palestinian citizens, and democracy itself. IMPJ – Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism is guided by the values of Reform Judaism in general, and Tikkun Olam in particular, working every day to make progressive and pluralistic Judaism accessible to all Israelis. As well, ARZA Canada works to ensure our Reform Jewish Canadian community has a strong connection to Israel and has meaningful bonds with our Reform colleagues and congregations in Israel. Note that tax receipt-able donations to IMPJ and IRAC can be made through reform.org.il (goes through ARZA Canada).

Therefore, just as we take the time to gather around the table with our families for these holiday meals, and collectively pray to be better people and for a better year ahead for all, we should also consider those in need, both near and far, and identify the way in which we as individuals can help make the world a better place.

L’shanah Tovah

Filed under: President's Message

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