ROSH HASHANAH REFLECTIONS FROM CEO CARI USLAN
On this Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, my heart is heavy with the painful realities unfolding in Israel. For me, Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection – thinking back on the past year, setting new intentions for the year ahead, and embracing the future with renewed purpose. But this year feels profoundly different. It is different. As we mark the one-year anniversary of October 7, we are witnessing continued violence, attacks on Israel, and an escalating war. The fear, grief, and uncertainty are palpable and they weigh heavily on all of us.
Yet in these moments of deep distress, I turn to the core values that always guide our Jewish community, knowing our tradition offers us strength and direction. During times of profound challenges, we hold fast to hope.
The sound of the shofar awakens us to the possibilities that lie ahead, urging us to take stock of the year behind us and to reflect on how we can shape the future through our actions. This is a time for both personal reflection and collective responsibility.
Rosh Hashanah is a time of teshuvah—a return to our values, our roots, and our commitment to improving ourselves and the world around us. As I set my intentions for the new year, I encourage each of us to consider how we can act in the spirit of mentorship and leadership. Whether through formal roles or in the everyday moments of life, each of us has the capacity to guide, uplift, and inspire others.
At Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, I am privileged to witness the transformative power of mentorship firsthand—how a single relationship can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Each match between a Big and a Little creates a ripple effect, offering a sense of security, hope, and belonging in uncertain times. We see how a little time, care, and consistency from an adult mentor can change the life of a child who feels lost or unsure. It’s a reminder that we each hold the power to shape the future, even in small but meaningful ways, through acts of kindness.
May 5785 be a year of health, healing, and peace—for Israel, for Jewish communities around the world, and for each of us personally. May we hold each other close in the face of adversity and continue to support, mentor, and uplift one another as we move forward into this new year together.
Shanah Tovah U’Metukah—wishing you and your loved ones a sweet, meaningful, and peaceful new year.
Cari Uslan, CEO