Photo Credit: Jewish Press
This past summer, I traveled to Poland with a group of 70 amazing women to find meaning in our nine days. Despite the lack of sleep and the short time we had together, the experience was incredibly inspiring.
While standing in Auschwitz, facing the gas chambers, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to my grandmother, Rebbetzin Slova Channah Jungreis, after whom I am named. She perished in the Holocaust, holding her youngest grandchild in her arms, uttering the words of the Shema before she died. I realized that this was the closest I would ever be to her physically, and I felt her presence there with me.
As we approach the High Holidays, we are reminded of the challenges our people have faced throughout history. The current rise in antisemitism poses a significant threat to our existence, echoing the tragedies of the past.
Despite the darkness that surrounds us, we must turn to prayer and repentance. We cry out to Hashem for mercy, asking Him to protect us from harm and to avenge the blood of those who have suffered for their faith.
As we stand before God during this solemn time, we remember the words of Avraham Avinu, who declared, “I am but dust and ashes.” We take comfort in knowing that just as our ancestors endured great trials and tribulations, we too will rise from the ashes and overcome adversity.
Let us approach this new year with hope and faith, trusting in God’s mercy and strength to guide us through the challenges ahead.