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This week we approach both the start of a New Year and a new book of Torah, for we begin our encounter with Shemot, or the Book of Exodus. There are indeed some eerily similarities between the narration found in sacred scripture and the space in which we find ourselves at the twilight of 2023. Consider:

• We find our Israelite ancestors dealing with the darkness of slavery, having been enslaved for some 400 years. We, too, enter into this next year under a shroud of darkness, as we note the war in Gaza and the continued rise in antisemitism here at home.
• Despite their tragic circumstances, the Israelites from thousands of years ago remain hopeful, continuing to pray to God for deliverance from their bondage. So, too, do we remain hopeful, believing (and for many of us, praying) that 2024 will be a year filled with more blessing than this year that is passing.
• Our Torah narrative relays that, though Pharaoh issued a severe decree regarding the birth of Jewish boys, it is the courage of Shifra and Puah, the midwives who concealed the birth of Moses, and Yocheved and Miriam, Moses’ mother and sister, that truly stands out. So, too, in our day do we find courageous people – many of whom are women – standing for causes that are just and right.

What we know is that it will take time for the people of Israel to be redeemed from slavery, just as a simple turning of the page on a calendar will not automatically rid us of our suffering today. But I have to believe – and I hope that we all believe – that there are brighter days ahead.

I know that I speak for the entire staff of Temple Sinai when I say: May we all experience the blessings in this year ahead of good health, of great moments shared with loved ones, and of more peaceful and compassion-filled days.