We close our eyes to 2014.
So much to leave behind.
Lost planes,
Lost lives.
Shots ringing out –
In Syria, in schools,
across Israel’s borders.
Rising tides of anti-Semitism
Rising distrust of police
and rising frustration with politicians.
Radicals destroying faith
wreaking destruction
We open our eyes to the dawn of a new year
filled with light.
This year may we see and be the good.
Daily acts of compassion
that outshine others’ acts of contention
Generosity that streams steadily forth
from hearts and hands
Religion that heals souls
and lifts communities
Schools of safety
Police that protect
Palestinians who want peace
and an Israel that inspires the world
This Shabbat,
we turn from one book of the Torah
to the next and say:
Chazak, chazak v’nitchazek
Be strong,
Be strong
And let us strengthen one another.
This day,
we turn from one secular year
to the next and say:
Chazak, chazak v’nitchazek
Be strong, in faith
Be strong, in goodness and in your resolve
to cast light even in the darkness
And let us strengthen one another
by giving each other
faith in humanity,
and hope for our future.
