High Holidays

Dear Community Family,

As we look around the world today, filled with rapid change, uncertainty, and disruption, it’s easy to feel unsettled. In these moments, we are reminded that we are not in full control. There is a Higher Power, a guiding presence, our compassionate Creator who holds the ultimate blueprint of our lives.

As the High Holidays approach, we are given a unique opportunity: a spiritual reset. Much like a business owner reviews the past year’s progress, what went well, what could have been better, what was missed, we, too, are invited to take an honest, personal inventory of the year behind us. What did we accomplish? Where did we fall short? And most importantly, where do we want to go from here?

Navigating life in these challenging times is no small task. We're constantly balancing personal growth, relationships, work, health, and meaning. The Torah remains our timeless guide, a divine manual filled with wisdom on how to live with intention, integrity, and purpose. Whether it’s about business ethics, relationships, health, or how to bring more kindness into the world, the Torah gives us a framework that has sustained us for over 3,000 years.

We are now entering a time for renewed connection and communal strength. Let’s carry that momentum forward with hope, with purpose, and with a deeper connection to Hashem.

The sound of the shofar, central to these days, stirs our hearts. It’s the raw, emotional cry of the soul. It’s the sound of a child yearning to reconnect with their parent. It awakens our desire to crown Hashem as our King, to reflect on the year behind us, and to commit ourselves to growth in the year ahead. This year, more than ever, that call feels personal and powerful. 

Let’s not settle for the status quo. Let’s dig deeper, aim higher, and move forward with courage and conviction. “We didn’t come this far just to come this far.” We’ve achieved so much, but there is still so much more ahead.

This year, I approach these days of awe and reflection with a deep sense of longing and pain in my heart but with a clear mandate to move forward, having experienced a profound personal loss, the passing of my dear father and teacher, our beloved Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, of blessed memory.

His impact on our community, and on countless lives across the globe, is immeasurable. His unwavering faith, bold vision, and boundless love continue to inspire me every day. Though he is no longer with us physically, I have no doubt that he is in the highest realms, advocating for each of us, beseeching G-d for the best year ever for revealed goodness, health, peace, and joy for all of us.

May this new year bring our entire community abundant blessings, health, peace, purpose, joy, and clarity. May we all be inscribed and sealed for a year of good news, deep connection, and fulfilled dreams both materially and spiritually and the immediate coming of Moshiach.

With warmest wishes for a meaningful and uplifting New Year,

With love, esteem and warm blessings,

Rabbi Zalman Lipskar