New Beginnings

By Julia Loeb, WLCJ International President

In the past few weeks, I have experienced several new beginnings—an installation as President of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, a family wedding and Tishah B’Av, which marks the beginning of the period of seven weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah. The overriding message of Tishah B’Av  is that “We can be better than we have been.” The time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a time to focus on improving ourselves and our relationship with others and with God. If we take that assignment seriously, we must prepare in advance and as we move through Av and approach Elul, it is a good time to begin these preparations. A baseball team doesn’t show up on opening day without any training. The bride and groom don’t meet for the first time under the chuppah, I didn’t assume my new position without a long transition period, and we shouldn’t arrive at Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the year without taking the time for reflection and self-examination.

Beginnings mark the threshold of change and growth in our lives. Whether assuming a new position, joining in marriage with your beloved, or preparing for the Chagim, holidays, these fresh starts are laden with anticipation and challenges. As we embark on these new journeys, we encounter a fascinating interplay of ease and difficulty that shape our experiences and influence our personal development.

On one hand, beginnings often evoke a sense of ease and excitement, providing us with the impetus to embrace the unknown. As I start this new position, the possibilities are endless, and I am so enthusiastic about new responsibilities, new friendships and new opportunities. Similarly, marriage requires a profound bond of love, trust, and shared aspirations, infusing our hearts with joy and hope. As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, we feel a collective spirit of tradition and spirituality, a sense of belonging and unity which makes these beginnings feel familiar and comforting.

On the other hand, beginnings are accompanied by situations that call for resilience and determination. In this new position, I will face many challenges and will need to be able to adapt quickly. In marriage, merging two lives can present unique dynamics and interpersonal hurdles that require open communication and compromise. The approaching Holidays may entail revisiting customs and practices, navigating family traditions, and grappling with the demands of modern life, which can be overwhelming.

Rashi, the medieval Jewish scholar, succinctly captured the essence of beginnings, stating, “All beginnings are hard.” This observation serves as a poignant reminder that no matter the context, new beginnings are bound to present challenges that test our fortitude and adaptability. It is through these challenges that we discover our strength, resilience, and capacity for growth.

Indeed, the journey of beginnings is as multifaceted as life itself. While ease and excitement set the stage, difficulty and uncertainty often accompany us on our path. As we embrace the dichotomy of beginnings, we learn to appreciate the beauty of the process – the thrill of discovery, the fulfillment of accomplishments, and the lessons learned from setbacks.

In the tapestry of life, beginnings offer a blank canvas where we have the opportunity to shape our destinies and create meaningful connections. Each beginning holds the promise of growth and transformation, even amidst the hardships that may arise. The challenges encountered during new journeys serve as stepping stones toward personal growth, resilience, and self-awareness.

As we embrace the words of Rashi, let us approach all beginnings with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace the ease and confront the hardships. Each journey brings its own set of lessons, and it is through these lessons that we evolve and become the architects of our own destinies. So, as you encounter new beginnings in life, remember to cherish the moments of ease and face the challenges with courage, for it is through these experiences that you will truly thrive.

It won’t be easy. A beginning never is.

Shabbat shalom,
Julia Loeb
WLCJ International President
jloeb@wlcj.org