TL;DR: As 5786 begins, Jews worldwide are uniting in reflection, resilience, and renewal. Despite rising challenges, communities are finding strength through shared traditions and collective action. Global Jewry is fostering collaboration across borders, expanding initiatives, and emphasizing unity in diversity. This Rosh Hashanah, the call is clear: our future is strongest when we face it together. Shana tova, and may this year bring hope, connection, and the safe return of the hostages.
As the Jewish calendar turns toward 5786, communities across the globe are pausing to reflect, renew, and reimagine their shared future. The High Holidays, beginning with Rosh Hashanah, are a time not only of prayer and tradition, but also of collective introspection and forward-looking commitment. For the worldwide Jewish people—diverse in language, culture, and practice—this season is an opportunity to consider both the challenges and the possibilities that lie ahead.
In Israel, Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, Jewish life flourishes in unique ways. Each community carries its own history and expressions of identity, yet all are bound by common rituals that link Jews everywhere during this season: the sound of the shofar, the taste of apples dipped in honey, and the hope for sweetness in the year to come. These shared experiences underscore the sense of belonging to something larger than any single synagogue, city, or nation.
The past year has been marked by profound tests for the Jewish people—rising antisemitism, polarization within and between communities, and the ongoing challenges of security and identity. Yet alongside these difficulties has come remarkable resilience and creativity. Grassroots organizations have mobilized to strengthen Jewish education, to build bridges across denominational and political divides, and to expand global cooperation.
This spirit of connection is at the heart of Global Jewry, a movement dedicated to fostering trust, cooperation, and collaboration across the worldwide Jewish community. By linking organizations, leaders, and individuals, Global Jewry helps ensure that no community stands alone and that Jewish voices are amplified through collective effort. As the new year approaches, Global Jewry is redoubling its efforts to bring people together across borders and backgrounds, inspiring Jews everywhere to support one another and to embrace the power of unity.
Looking forward, Global Jewry and its partners are emphasizing the need for collaboration grounded in respect for difference. The upcoming year will bring new and expanded initiatives that deepen connections, strengthen relationships, and enable organizations to easily share resources and amplify each other’s work. Included among them will be revamping our master classes, increasing the number of global roundtables, expanding our work in Spanish-speaking communities and holding several regional convenings.
The essence of Rosh Hashanah is renewal: the belief that no matter what burdens the past year has carried, all of us can begin again. As Jews everywhere gather to celebrate, Global Jewry stands as a reminder that our future is strongest when we face it together—united in resilience, purpose, and hope.
Shana tova and may this be the week the hostages return home,
Sandy Cardin
Founder, Global Jewry
GJ Prizes: Celebrating Collaboration. Sparking New Connections
Do you know of a collaboration happening between members of the Global Jewry network? Nominate their work for GJ Prizes, an initiative from Global Jewry that celebrates cooperation and awards partnerships new and old. Visit https://globaljewry.org/prizes/ to submit your nominations today.
Have an achievement (e.g. publications, awards, appearances, etc) you would like highlighted in a future GJ Connections? Let us know by emailing sandy@globaljewry.org.
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