There is so much to say, and so little time in which to say it.
This blog commenced five years ago, and I have made hundreds of posts since this time. Due to personal circumstances I (Gedalia) will be taking a break from blogging for a while. There may be moments when I cannot contain myself and need to post, and so too the other Jewgle bloggers may post more frequently. My regular blogging will resume in March 2013.
There are a number of reasons that I will be posting less. One of them is due to travel to Israel where I will again have the chance to connect to the energy and vibrancy that emanates from the centre of the Jewish world.
Since I started this blog, the world has changed remarkably. I am concerned that so many rapid shifts in Jewish and non Jewish community life, economics, politics, technology and culture have occurred, and we have yet to respond to most of them. Judaism sees the potential for the positive and negative in everything and strives for moderation. Limitations, self-discipline, and interpretive understanding are all part of the time honoured Jewish approach to change. We should accept and embrace change, but channel its forces for good.
Collectively, the Jewish people are doing amazing things. We are building a nation of problem solvers and innovative inventors. We are upholding traditions and a Torah inspired moral stance that allows humanity to function at its best. Yet despite the best efforts of Jewish Rabbinic and lay leadership, there is insufficient impact. In other words, the more things change the more they stay the same.
We are capable of so much more. It says in the Talmud that it is not incumbent on us to complete the task, but neither are we free to desist from its commencement. In this context, there are not enough starts being made.
In the Jewish community of Perth, we have a wonderful and very sufficient community dynamic, yet we are still stagnating. Our institutions are holding their own, producing more of the same, and attracting the same clientele. We are sorely in need of new ideas, very regular leadership succession, and a greater profile in the civic community around us.
Rosh Hashana is a time of new beginnings. As we herald the Jewish year of 5773 may we welcome a year of growth, development, vibrancy and innovation. You will hear less from me on these pages for a while, but rest assured I will be out there doing as much as I can to make a positive difference. I hope that you will do the same.
Wishing you a Shana Tovah, a year of good tidings, accomplishment, and intestinal fortitude.
Gedalia