5786 New Year Message from the President
by Heidi Doyle
Rosh Hashanah is a moment to stop, reflect, and breathe in the possibility of a new year. And here, in Tahoe, surrounded by our mountains, the lake, and the clear skies, it feels even more powerful. The natural beauty reminds us of creation itself—and of how small we are, and yet how deeply connected we are to one another.
But as we gather here in peace, our hearts are also with those who cannot. The war in Gaza weighs heavily on us — not only the ongoing violence and the pain it brings to so many, but also the hostages still being held there. We carry them in our prayers. We dream and we hope for their release, for comfort to their families, and for an end to the suffering that war has brought to so many. We also carry with us injustices to segments of our society because of skin color or sexual orientation. As immigrants ourselves, and only three generations from the Holocaust, we worry. And standing here, safe in Tahoe, we feel both gratitude and responsibility. Gratitude that we can gather freely, without fear. Responsibility to live our Jewish values—to build community, to care for one another, and to ensure Jewish life thrives wherever we call home.
Jewish tradition teaches us that even in moments of uncertainty and pain, we do not lose our humanity, our hope — or even our humor. A rabbi once asked his student: “Why is it that Jews always answer a question with another question?” The student replied: “Why not?” That’s the Jewish way—we don’t have to solve everything today. We live with the questions. We hold the contradictions. And most importantly, we hold one another.
At North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation, that’s what we do. Whether you live here year-round, you’ve come up from the Bay Area, or you’re joining us just for the holidays, this place is your Jewish home in the mountains. It’s where we celebrate, where we learn, where we teach our children, and where we lean on each other in times of both joy and sorrow.
But this sacred gathering doesn’t sustain itself on spirit alone. It takes commitment. It takes resources. It takes your support. So, as we welcome this New Year, I ask you directly: please make a meaningful financial contribution to sustain our community here in the Tahoe–Truckee region. Every gift, no matter the size, keeps our doors open, our children learning, and our voices raised in prayer.
On Rosh Hashanah we say, Hayom harat olam — “today the world is born.” Here, in this breathtaking place, we have the chance to give birth not just to another year, but to another year of Jewish life — alive and thriving in Tahoe.
May this year bring peace. May it bring healing from the pain of war. May it bring kindness and understanding among us. And may it bring us closer together, in unity, in generosity, and in gratitude.
Shanah Tovah u’Mehukah—Wishing you a sweet and good New Year!
Heidi
