This is the Jewish New Year. A time of new beginnings. One of the traditional greetings at this time is “May you be the Head Not the Tail” which can be interpreted many ways but essentially means may you make a difference. And that is what we all should do at this time. I often tell our interns that we are a peace organisation first and a human rights organisation second. And that is a thought I would like to share with you. In the Jewish scriptures which stand at the head of the teachings of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, mercy trumps justice. Yes we must seek justice, but not without being ready to be merciful, even to our erstwhile enemies.

To echo the words of our trustee, Mr Vivian Wineman, “In Jewish tradition Rosh Hashanah is the day when all mankind not just Israel passes under God’s gaze like sheep under a shepherd’s crook.” It is therefore appropriate for us to wish you and all your family a happy healthy and sweet new year. May the cause of peace be advanced in it.

I was much touched by the spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg on the BBC early this morning. It can be found on this link if you can access the BBC on your browser. But if not, the transcript of the whole message is quite short and is below:

A Prayer for Rosh Hashanah

Tonight brings the Jewish New Year, when we celebrate ‘the birthday of the world’. It’s a time to honour all creation as, in the ancient words, ‘all life passes before God.’
It marks the beginning of ten days of repentance, when we rethink our values and conduct. It’s a solemn yet joyous time. But as I speak, anguish fills my heart.

Our Ukrainian family has been with us for over a year. They want to go home, but the men, still in Kharkov, rightly say it’s too dangerous.

In the Middle East any agreement between Israel and Palestine seems as remote as ever, yet I know so many on both sides who just want to live in mutual respect.

My heart aches for nature. When, in the biblical story, Noah first releases the dove over the devastated world, it can find no resting place for the sole of its foot. For so many animals their homes and habitats are gone and their species, dismayingly diminished, just about clings on.

These great crises, of climate, nature and humanity, bring feelings of helplessness and disempowerment.

But there isn’t nothing we can do. We can act against oppression, upholding fairness and justice. We can show kindness, whatever our sphere of endeavour. We can join local groups or national campaigns, caring for parks or rivers. When we do so, we strengthen each other’s spirits and restore our sense of purpose.

The thirteenth century Catalunian Jewish poet, Abraham Chazzan, wrote a new year’s prayer:
May the old year and its curses end, the new year and its blessings begin.
May we be the instruments of those blessings.