Tonight, the Jewish Community celebrates Rosh Hashanah, the New Year. Additionally, tonight we also begin the 10 days of awe, in anticipation of Yom Kippur, the day when this upcoming year's book of life is sealed. We use the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a time for reflection on the past year. What mistakes have we made? Maybe we havee argued to frequently with our siblings, or we lied or worse. Nevertheless, now is the time for reflection on these sins, now is the time to ask for forgiveness. Also, we look forward to this upcoming year with anticipation for the opportunity it provides us to start anew. The year ahead will be quite important for me and I can only hope that its fruits are as sweet as the year past.
The upcoming year also presents a number of challenges for a number of communities that I belong to. At the University of Michigan, we must face a new year of state appropriations cuts in funding. We must do all in power to continue to ensure that the University is accessible to all because I am a firm believer that the University represents one of the best instruments of social mobility we have.
As a nation, we must figure a way to win the war in Iraq with as little human suffering as possible. We also must continue to rebuild the gulf coast and find a solution to our energy crisis, all big challenges.
As a world community, we must once and for all end the genocide in Darfur. It is my hope that by this time next year, one can look towards Darfur and see a community beginning the process of healing.
The new year presents both challenges and opportunities. May it be one of peace, health, success and happiness. L'shana Tova!
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