Gratitude and Hope: Reflections from a Jewish faith leader on 2024 and 2025
“2024 has been a year marked by profound challenges for the Jewish community, yet amidst the darkness, moments of light have emerged. I am deeply grateful for the resilience and strength of our community in the face of rising antisemitism. This year brought generational and ideological divides into sharper focus, particularly around the Israel-Hamas War, but I have witnessed a remarkable willingness among many to prioritize shared values over differences. Admittedly, the past few months have been difficult because of the differing opinions on what is best for the Jewish people. Yet, even with this, we have been able to come together in acts of solidarity and mutual support. Collective efforts to pursue justice have underscored our capacity to come together for the greater good.”
- Read more from Karen Bodney-Halasz, Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel in Dayton.
The students I serve at the University of Dayton bring me hope
“I serve and minister at the University of Dayton. On this past Saturday, we had our winter commencement ceremony. The many graduates receiving their diplomas committed to their faith and to service arouses again gratitude in my heart. There are so many examples of service I could recount. I am hopeful, for example, because of the many students who are committed to stewardship and care for the earth. Through their various projects they manifest the kind of stewardship to which Pope Francis has called our Church and all the world. Also, the commitment to concrete social justice projects in the Dayton area and beyond gives me much hope for the future.”
What the Dayton Ahmadiyya Muslim community is grateful for in 2024 and hopeful for in 2025
“The Prophet of Islam - Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) - has stated: “He who is not grateful to people can not be grateful to God”. Thus, we as Muslims are thankful to each and every person who has, in any way, contributed to our happiness and success this past year.
We are also excited and looking forward to what the new year has to offer. Muslims finish and start the year with prayers to God Almighty for success and felicity.
Islam is a religion of peace. It lays down guidance to ensure peace on all levels be it individual, societal, economic etc. So we as followers of this faith desire and pray for nothing less than for peace and justice to reign supreme in all parts of our globe. That is our main hope for 2025: May God make this a town, a nation and a planet of peace and tranquility.”