By Rabbi Igor Zinkov and Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu

“Here I am about to do something new… do you not perceive it?”
Isaiah 43:19

We are writing to you during the month of Elul, conscious that these times are unlike any other.

How can one speak of a new beginning? An inexplicable near two years of war in Israel, the unspeakable horrors both there and in Gaza, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Suffering, its necessary accommodations, the exhaustion and the human cost.

Can we speak of something new? Our tradition teaches us: not only can we do that, but we must speak of renewal and hope. Isaiah’s famous words contain an implicit message: “Here I do something new… do you not perceive it?” There will be something new. It is up to us to recognise the potential of that moment, to know when and how change will, and must, come.

Our Reform and Liberal forebears were people who understood that religious change, a future-facing Judaism, was inseparable from their core political aspirations for justice, democracy, equality and the rule of law. They gifted this evolving tradition to us.

Their voices are alive in us today. Their recognition of the potential of the new is what lies at the heart of a growing Progressive Jewish community across the globe, who are working together to strengthen that vision in Israel and across the world. In turn, this strengthens us.

Isaiah’s message is not only that change will come; it is a reminder to recognise that moment, to understand its meaning, and to act on it.

May you and your loved ones find that moment of renewal, may you know the tremendous potential of Jewish community, and together may we approach 5786 with awareness, confidence and hope.