Rabbi's Teachings

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, I am reminded of a powerful story from Jewish folklore about two men, each carrying a large sack. The first man’s sack was full of troubles, and he carried it in front of him, always looking down at his burdens. The second man’s sack was full of blessings, and he carried it on his back, facing forward. He could feel the weight of his struggles, but his eyes were always focused on the horizon and what lay ahead.

This story offers a lesson as we prepare for the High Holidays. Rosh Hashanah is a time when we reflect on the burdens we’ve carried over the past year—our hardships, our losses—but we are also invited to lift our eyes and focus on the blessings that await us. Like the second man in the story, we can choose to walk into the new year carrying the weight of our struggles behind us, while looking forward with hope and resilience.

Our community, Bnai Israel, has certainly carried both blessings and burdens this year. Our Hebrew School has grown exponentially, welcoming more students and offering rich educational experiences. Programs like Lunch and Learn and Open Doors Luncheons have allowed us to deepen our understanding of Judaism, bringing us together to engage in thoughtful conversations. Social events such as our Men’s Club Dine Outs and Sisterhood Ladies Who Lunch, along with our many Shabbat and holiday meals have strengthened the bonds that connect us, reminding us that in community, we are stronger.

At the same time, this year has not been without its struggles. Since October 7th, we have been reminded of the fragility of life. The tragic events that unfolded have touched our hearts and our spirits, leaving us to navigate through moments of heartbreak. But like the second man in the story, we have carried those burdens behind us, allowing our focus to remain forward, on hope and healing.

As we look ahead to this new year, we ask ourselves: How will we continue to grow? How will we further our connections to one another and to our Jewish traditions? Our upcoming adult education classes, like our First Thursdays Programs, and social action projects, like Bnai Israel Baggers and our Sunshine Team, offer ways for each of us to get involved and take meaningful steps forward as a community. We are committed to the Jewish value of tikkun olam, working together to repair the world and lift up those in need.

This Rosh Hashanah, as we begin 5785, we will also experience a new kind of milestone. On October 7th, we will come together as a community to mourn for the first time the collective losses we have experienced. It will be a sacred opportunity to reflect, to grieve, and to heal. In Judaism, mourning is not an individual act—it is something we do as a community, leaning on each other for strength. Just as we grieve together, we also heal together.

Let us enter this High Holiday season with our burdens behind us and our eyes on the horizon. May the coming year be filled with peace, healing, and growth for all of us.

L’shanah tovah tikatevu—may we all be inscribed for a year of health, happiness, and blessings.

Rabbi Chaya Bender