Shana Tova: A New Year Call to Action

As 5785 comes to a close and we welcome the new year, we are reminded that Rosh Hashanah is a time of awakening. The blast of the shofar stirs us to action, urging us to reflect on the past year with introspection and look forward to the new year with intention. It’s a time to commit to advancing our values in the new year, and we encourage you to see this awakening as a call to action. The past year has provided plenty of reasons for darkness and despair, yet we are confident that, together, we can bring light and engage in meaningful action in the new year.

In the past year, we have experienced direct attacks on our democracy, freedoms, rights, safety, and security. The shofar calls us to wake up and to address these challenges not just as observers, but as agents of change. We are fighting for new beginnings in this new year, guided by our core values: pursuit of justice; repairing the world; freedom & democracy; peoplehood & community; welcoming the stranger; and dignity, equity, and equality. These aren’t abstract ideals – they are the fundamental values that we share, which drive JDCA’s work.

In the year ahead, our advocacy and political organizing will embody and advance these values. We will mobilize and engage Jewish voters in support of Democratic candidates and policies aligned with these values. We will fight for democracy, freedom, dignity, equity, and equality. We will deepen our commitment to peoplehood, including our commitment to the people of Israel and to bringing each of the 48 hostages home. We also commit to repairing the world by advocating for policies that protect civil and human rights, environmental justice, reproductive justice, and ensure safe, secure Jewish communities here, in Israel, and around the world. We hope you will join us in this new year.

As the shofar echoes through our homes and synagogues, may it stir us to action. May this year be one in which we don’t simply dream of a better future, but work to build it together. Here at JDCA, we provide you with the tools to do just that, and we are grateful to be a part of this effort with all of you.

Wishing you and your loved ones a sweet, healthy, and happy new year.

Shana Tova U’Metuka,

Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America