I want to take a moment before Rosh Hashanah to extend my heartfelt wishes to you and your family for a New Year overflowing with happiness, sweetness, and good health. I am grateful for the passion and dedication you have for our Greater Portland Jewish community, especially during these most challenging times.

As we move forward, my deepest hope is that we can build on our shared values, forging bridges that will carry our community into a more unified future. May this moment of purpose transcend boundaries, inviting everyone into a spirit of understanding and togetherness.

Like many traditions, Judaism is about joy -- a reminder that, through life's ups and downs, our strength lies in community, in rejoicing, and in acts of loving kindness.

I hope that these coming days of celebration will provide you with time for reflection and replenishment as we begin the New Year. Let us all strive to be deeply engaged, ever more generous, committed to our community and the Jewish people, and above all, to embrace the joy that arises from genuine connection.

Here is a resource page with information about the High Holy Days in our community. We hope you will use it to find your place in our community.

Shana tova u'metuka -- שנה טובה ומתוקה -- a good and sweet year.



PS -- As a follow-up to Marc's Remark's last Friday about City Council candidates, I did hear back from several of them with their views. This article from Willamette Week provides a good understanding of who spoke out against the letter and who has decided to not have their name included.