Below are three essays about hope presented at Rosh Hashanna services by Temple members.

                                             Introduction by Rabbi Herzbrun

On Rosh Hashanah morning, I addressed the congregation on the theme of "hope." I noted, for example, that ~ in contrast to all the various national anthems from countries around the globe, the Israeli national anthem (Hatikvah = "The Hope") is the only one that speaks to the yearnings of a people for a better future. Indeed, Hatikvah stands alone in that it includes no mention of the country's "bounty"; nor is there a reference to the glory or war or to the belief that "God is on our side"; rather Hatikvah reminds us that our lives are still incomplete, and that tomorrow holds a promise unfulfilled by today .....

Click here to read the essays on the Temple Emanu-El website.

                                                    That Time of Year

I suppose it's a bit odd, but I don't do birthdays.  Somewhere, perhaps tucked back in the recesses of my childhood, there is a reasonable explanation for my inattention to that time of year (was there a disastrous birthday party that I have simply forgotten? )…  I have (yes, it's true) been known to forget my own birthday, until someone in the family reminded me about it.

Click here to read the entire message on the Temple Emanu-El website.