Clergy Blog

Shabbat Shalom,

Each Rosh Hashanah we proclaim, “הַיּוֹם הֲרַת עוֹלָם — Hayom harat olam! Today is the birthday of the world!” But the translation doesn’t capture the full meaning. The phrase is closer to: “Today the world is pregnant.” This year, I find myself especially drawn to that image.

At first, it may sound strange — what does it mean for the world to be pregnant? Yet it is a brilliant metaphor. Rosh Hashanah is less a birthday party than a moment of quiet anticipation, holding the promise of what might yet be. The year ahead is swelling with possibility, waiting to be born.

Pregnancy, like t’shuvah — the sacred work of returning to our truest selves — asks much of us. It requires labor of the heart, mind, and spirit. It is a season of cautious optimism, brimming with hope, vulnerability, and uncertainty. Growth brings both joy and discomfort, and it demands that we learn to live with not knowing.

Our tradition even gives us language for this fragility. When someone is expecting, we do not rush to say mazel tov. Instead, we say b’shaah tovah — “at the right time.” It is both a prayer and a blessing: may new life arrive in its own good and proper season.

So it is with Rosh Hashanah. While much lies beyond our control, this sacred time reminds us that we are also creators. Each day we can choose to breathe new life into our community, shaping the world with our deeds, our prayers, and our love.

We look forward to welcoming the High Holy Days together at our upcoming services, celebrations, and classes:

• Selichot Services — Saturday, September 13 at 8:00 pm
• Play All Day — Monday, September 15 at Crestmont Country Club
• Hebrew Bible, Line by Line with Rabbi Vaisberg and Rabbi Edwards — Mondays at 9:30 am on Zoom

May this season of hope and renewal bring joy, sweetness, and abundant blessing to you and your family.

Shanah Tovah U’metukah,
Cantor Emily Simkin