As Rabbi Gewirtz said on Rosh Hashanah, “...besides being angry, we have to have hope, we have to have light.
The light doesn't come magically, it comes because we create it. If we want to have hope, we have to have faith.... The Jewish version of faith means, ‘I believe it is true, with all my heart, even though I doubt that it's possible.’
When I am able to mix in both belief and faith, I end up with hope. I end up with hope and I need you to leave here with hope.... I believe it’s our job to send these powerful messages into the community, so people know our values and know who we are.
Put a sign on your lawn and go to your neighbor, asking them to put one on their lawn. This isn't about religion or politics. It's a beautiful, powerful message we want to put out into the world.
Hope Matters. It starts with us.” Watch Rabbi Gewirtz's complete sermon here.
It is time for action- to send positive energy into the world from our community. We simply want to say we care, we want to make a difference, and we are here to help. Let's meet this difficult moment in history with connection and hope.
#HopeMatters: What can you do? Here are some actions you can take to share your values with the wider community:
Make sure you have a Hope Matters sign! If you did not receive a sign on Rosh Hashanah, come and pick one up at TBJ, or one can be delivered to you at your home by clicking here.
Make sure to put the sign in front of your home.
Use the hashtag #HopeMatters on social media, and share our values: #HopeMatters because (fill in the blank)
Ask a neighbor to display a sign, and post about why #HopeMatters to them
Visit a local store, and ask them to post a sign
Help us deliver signs, or let us know if you would like more signs- by clicking here. Signs can be delivered to your home (locally), or picked up at TBJ.
Thank you to Robyn Fingerman for designing the signs, and thank you to Tony & Debbie Wolk for their generosity in this initiative.
The Story of Our Year The Story Of Our Year is created by Julie Mazer with the song “The Hope” (Rick Recht), performed by Matt Turk.
