KOACH welcomes Naomi Freedman, the new shlihah to the Conservative Movement. Nomi is available for consultation on aliyah, study in Israel and Israel travel. She's also an excellent resource for campus programs (either to offer suggestions or come for a visit). Click here for a full bio.

A Letter From Nomi

By Naomi Freedman
Shlihah to the Conservative Movement

Dear KOACH,

Being here in New York, so far away from home, brings me to some thoughts: To feel Rosh Hashanah, especially not in Israel, forces me to give the Hag a meaning that is relevant, first on an individual level, but then on a community level. Wherever we are, city or campus, we must look for the meaning. We must create the holiday. You know, in Israel we don't work on Friday. We prepare for Shabbat. everyone says to each other, "Shabbat Shalom." On every street corner, there is a someone selling flowers. Stores are closed, banks, offices and even public transportation shut down for Shabbat. Wherever you go, Shabbat is in the air.

Now that I am here in the United States I have to create my Shabbat. It's not just all around me for me to take. In recent days I've realized that I also have to do this for the High Holidays, even in New York!

I ask us to think deeply about the meaning of our holidays. We have so many minhagim or customs for different wishes for the coming year. For me, the meaning of Rosh Hashanah, the new Jewish year is to be able to forgive the past and to create new things with a look towards the future.

I hope we will concentrate on our wishes, and hopefully they will come true.

Shanah Tovah

Naomi

[Posted 9/29/08]