Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein’s
Thought for the Day 

As 5781 draws to an end, and as we look forward to the dawning of the New Year, 5782, the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that “For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heavens.” These words may never have seemed so pervasively poignant as they do these High Holidays.

Last year, we were separated and distant from each other and our clergy as a matter of law and for our own health safety. Yet at 92Y, we continued to connect with our Jewish community in any way we could. During the height of Covid-19, more than 190,000 of us joined in watching 92Y’s virtual High Holiday services on screens at home and celebrating Passover Seders on Zoom. We led our global community in crucial conversations about the spiritual imperative of ending racial inequality and oppression in a new initiative, 92Y Confronts Hate, that continues to bring leading voices together to fight racism and anti-Semitism. Through weekly video reflections on Shabbat and education class we sought to create meaningful connection during deeply challenging times. Together, we became stronger. And many of you wrote to us:

“Thank you … for helping me create so many beautiful memories celebrating the Jewish traditions together with my children!! I will always be so grateful for the Shabbat mornings [my daughter] and I shared with you at the 92Y at a time in my life when I needed it most.” And as we received encouraging notes like this one throughout the year, we knew we had to keep going.

You are the reason we are here and the reason we remain committed to building innovative and meaningful programing to serve you in your journey of discovery.

Now, as the warmth of the summer months is bathing us in greater sunlight, the coming High Holidays are an appropriate opportunity for us to embrace hope anew. We, at 92Y, are planning worship services available in person, for a congregation of fully vaccinated worshippers. Details of all our services can be found on our website; services will also be available online.

We look forward to welcoming you back and hope you will find, or continue to enjoy, your connection to 92Y in the coming year.

In this spirit of renewed hope and with tzedakah in mind, I hope that you will consider making a meaningful donation to support our work of building a welcoming, diverse, and innovative community. As we strive to open every door possible for people searching to find their way into Jewish life, we hope you will join us.

We look forward to 5782 being a transformative year for all of us. We extend our best wishes to you at this time of renewal and look forward to hearing from you or, better yet, having a chance to meet you in the days and months ahead. Above all, we thank you for anything you can do for 92Y at this time.

With gratitude,

Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein
Senior Vice President, Jewish Community & Managing Director, Bronfman Center

P.S. Donate today and learn more about our High Holiday services.