Our Rabbi’s message to the community for the New Year 5781
Dear members, dear friends,
Who would have believed a year ago, when we were getting ready to a New Year, that we would be where we are now? Our world has taken an unexpected turn, and we don’t know when the pandemic will be over.
And yet, at KLS, we have shown resilience. Our community has kept itself together, and thanks to our wonderful team of staff and volunteers, we have been able to be with you, albeit virtually, week in week out.
The celebration of the new year 5781 will be unlike any others we have experienced in our life time. We will be entirely online, and it required a lot of preparation to have services running smoothly.
However, a new year will begin on Friday evening, and another one in 12 months. The cycle of life is not interrupted. As the Yiddish proverb says, Man tracht un Got lacht, we make plans and God laughs. But God’s laugh is gentle, tender, and God knows we have the capacity to carry on and to try to make the world a better place.
I wish you all, wherever you are, a healthy and meaningful new Jewish year. May it bring happiness, resilience, and strength. As a community, we are here for each other, and no pandemic will change that.
Shana Tova u’Metukah, May this new year be as sweet as the honey in which we will dip our apples.
Rabbi Rene
You can watch Rabbi René deliver his message here: