This year, Rosh HaShanah begins at sunset on Sept 6th and Yom Kippur begins at sunset on the 15th
By Billy Bloomberg, William Paterson ’17
On Rosh HaShanah the Jewish people say “Shanah tovah um’tukah” which means “May you have a good and sweet new year.” Often shortened to “Shanah Tovah,” tovah does not mean new – it means good, we wish each other a good year. One cannot have a good year without putting forth the effort to make a change and rise to the challenges that face us. On Rosh HaShanah, Jews gather to mark the start of a period of reflection in the 10 days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.
On Yom Kippur, Jews greet each other with “G’mar chatima tovah” “May you be inscribed (or sealed) for good [in the Book of Life],” and “tzom kal,” which is used to wish others an “easy fast.” This period of reflection formally ends on Yom Kippur, the day of atonement where Jews all around the world dedicate themselves wholly to reconciliation with others, themselves, and God – committing ourselves to make change.
When thinking about going Greek I knew that whatever organization I would join had to align with my morals. Fall recruitment falls around the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. The Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at William Paterson showed me how they could align with the type of person I wanted to be. My new member education program started right after the High Holidays ended. I spent a large portion of this time learning about who I am as a person, and who I am as a member of something larger than myself.
As I continue to reflect on these High Holidays, now after my time as an undergrad has come to an end, I am thankful for the opportunities that came from joining Phi Tau. From being Greek Senate President, to the friends in other organizations, to the brother who bought me a beer in the airport during a layover, I reflect on the opportunities that were enhanced because of brotherhood. As Hillel President, my chapter was always ready to co-sponsor an event. At club council meetings, the Greeks all sat together showing how we are more than just the letters on our chest and knowing that for whatever I was involved in on campus, there was a guaranteed support group.
This High Holidays I spend in a new home, home of all Phi Taus, with a new opportunity in Oxford, Ohio. I reflect that without brotherhood, I would not be where I am.
Wishing all brothers, a Shanah tovah um’tukah for this Rosh HaShanah. G’mar chatima tovah and tzom kal on this Yom Kippur.