Eli Akerman H. Rosh Hadracha Kinneret B’Colombia
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism, a day of repentance and forgiveness. On this unique date, Jews across the world fast for a full day; some spend the day in synagogues and others in a special place that enhances the atmosphere of introspection and personal reflection.
This day comes after ten days of repentance, during which many pray and deeply reflect. However, from my point of view, Yom Kippur does not solely revolve around praying but rather on understanding the actions that we have been taking throughout the year and the renewal of our commitment of becoming better people. Starting the New Year with a clear conscience is highly important. In this way, one refreshes his energies and starts the year trying to achieve a better version of himself, whether it is as a Jew, a member of the tnua, or as a human being.
Nevertheless, changes and repentance have many faces and may be achieved in many different ways. From my personal experience, during the time of reflection on Yom Kippur, I have reached different conclusions, from looking for the best way to try to be a better person and do good to those around me to understanding how to change negative behaviors that have affected me.
This year, I understood a different concept. Through the process of reflection, I started searching for the best way for a real change, not only for me but for everyone. This is how I discovered the value of unity, the value of being a united people.
The reality is that the Jewish people have not survived for more than three thousand years by chance but because of the efforts to maintain unity. In my opinion, unity has been the most significant value in the history of our people, thus granting us the foundation to generate values for a better society and life.
This is the time to commit to unity and never let it go. It is essential to understand that, although it is an ancient concept, it does not mean that we have to stop using it. On the contrary, this is the time to unite even more. In a time of modern anti-Semitism and a threat to our State, this is the moment to find unity, to commit to unity.
The best way to create change is to stay together and understand that we work better this way. Unity will provide us with the best tools to make a change for the better on a large scale, a real change. Unity will give us the courage to continue taking the path of truth, of forgiveness and cooperation.
Even if we are attacked, we will keep going because we will do it together. I believe that we must transmit this message in the tnua so that our chanichim can grow up as an integral part of this millenary chain of generations and can embrace and unite the generations to come.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far this year and in the years to come, go together.
Gmar Chatima Tova!
