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On the brink of this New Year, I share with you words of Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky:

"It is the beginning of a new year. We have examined our deeds, made amends, and been renewed. But recovery and spiritual renewal do not come quickly or easily...Teshuva is hard work. Thats really why when we finally - after the long hot summer - get to Rosh Hashanah we call it a New Year, because through honest repentance we are given the opportunity to begin life anew and get a fresh start on the year, and our lives.

While Tishrei is actually the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, it leads the year nevertheless. The symbol of the month is a scale, reflecting the balance that the month gives our lives. And so with it we begin counting, continuing to keep our lives in balance one day at a time --from the awe- filled days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur though the harvest of self searching at Sukkot and the rejoicing of our relationship with God on Simchat Torah. During the entire month, we are absorbed by the fall holidays. Powerful moods to begin a year, reflection of a life of the spirit. The Gaon of Vilna taught us: 'Each day should be a new experience. Each day we have the opportunity of a fresh start. A person who has made teshuva is like a newborn child.’"

I read this piece, and I could not help but think for each of us, the new year, is a fresh start for many different reasons. Some of us get another chance at school or a new chance at a relationship, or the inspiration we need to cultivate a hobby or passion. The new year can be a launching point for major and dramatic life changes. How fitting as I reflect on these thoughts, I also recently toured the newly opened Berman Center.

The Berman Center is a Jewish Faith Based intensive outpatient program for adults (18 and older) who suffer from addiction and co-occurring disorders such as eating disorders, anxiety, trauma and depression. There are over 800 faith based treatment centers in the country, but there are very few that are Jewish and none quite like the Berman Center. The Berman Center represents the way in which we can use our Jewish Tradition and teachings to find healing. For more information visit: www.bermancenteratl.com.

On Rosh Hashanah, we pray Psalm 51 which asks God to create a clean and pure heart within us all. This is my prayer of each one of us. Whatever it is that you are hoping for this New Year, please know that your clergy are here to support you on your journey. Do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can provide you with care and resources.

We look forward to spending this Rosh Hashanah with you and we are praying that everyone gets the fresh start that they need this new year.