This year has likely been the most stressful year for the Jewish community in a couple of generations. The long arm of the war in Israel has affected all of us on a daily basis this year, whether we have been mourning grave losses, davening for the release of hostages, davening for the safety of our chayalim (some of them our own family members), or gathering goods or funds to assist in the effort to fight Israel’s enemies, both here and in Israel. Our students in universities, too, have experienced the worst treatment in decades, as enemies of the Jews have turned, in full force, to harassment and delegitimization of Jews on campus.

But as 5785 approaches, it is with a stronger sense of optimism than we had in the scary first weeks after last Simchat Torah and the rough months that followed. We have come so far and we have watched as our brothers and sisters in Israel have begun to achieve some measure of success, especially as Hamas’ capabilities have been significantly curtailed in Gaza and targeted strikes in Lebanon have critically weakened Hezbollah’s attack capabilities.

In our Rosh Hashanah davening this year, let’s concentrate our efforts fully on supporting all of klal Yisrael, all of our brothers and sisters here and around the world. Success and safety of the Jewish world in our lifetime will be due, in no small measure, to the prayers and hopes and dreams of us, fellow Jews around the world, who pray for and yearn for Jerusalem all the days of our lives.

We thank our partners for sharing the journey of this year with us, the ups and the downs and everything in between. All our writers, contributors, advertisers, letter writers, students and readers are critically important for helping to create and maintain a strong community that is engaged on important issues together. With our best personal wishes from our families to yours, we wish everyone a k’tiva v’chatima tova. May you be inscribed for a good and healthy life. Shana Tova U’Metuka!