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.
I am grateful for the small group of interfaith leaders who recognized that the October 7 attacks on Israel left the Jewish community in profound pain. Their empathy and recognition of our collective trauma, as well as their concern for the hostages held in Gaza and the security of Israel, provided comfort and reaffirmed the power of interfaith connection.
On a personal note, I am grateful for the opportunities to bear witness and learn directly from survivors, scholars, and those living the realities of this moment in Israel. My own journey to Israel earlier this year brought clarity and connection, reinforcing the importance of firsthand engagement with the complexities of our homeland.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As we turn to 2025, I carry a profound hope for growth, understanding, and collaboration, especially through interfaith dialogue. May our renewal of efforts help us to build stronger communities, breaking down barriers, and uniting around shared goals for justice and equality.
I have hope of a future where our community feels safe and empowered to gather, study, and celebrate Jewish life. I hope we can provide robust educational opportunities for our youth, equipping them to navigate an increasingly complex world while instilling pride in their Jewish identity. May they carry forward the legacy of resilience, wisdom, and compassion that has defined our people.
Above all, I hope for a safer and more peaceful world. A world where we can live free from the shadow of antisemitism, where violence and hate are replaced by understanding and cooperation. I am hopeful that the rifts dividing our nation can begin to heal and that, with a new government administration, we can find common ground for progress. And, of course, I hold hope for the return of the Israeli hostages and for a lasting peace in the Middle East — a vision that may seem distant but is no less worthy of our efforts.
Let us enter 2025 with gratitude for the light that has guided us through the darkness and with hope for the brighter days that lie ahead.
Karen Bodney-Halasz is the Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel in Dayton.
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