Secular Thoughts on the Approach of Rosh Hashanah

By Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO — As I write this on Wedneday, Oct, 2, the day on which sunset will usher in Rosh Hashanah, I find myself wondering about what impact the High Holy Day will have on secular affairs.

For example, could Israel launch its retaliatory attack against Iran on Rosh Hashanah, reversing the history of Israel being the recipient of attacks during its observance of religious holidays? Examples were Egypt’s attack on Israel in 1973, the so-called Yom Kippur War. Another was Hamas’ attack on Israel last Oct. 7, on the day of Simcha Torah. Or will Israel make its attack between the dates of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? Or on Yom Kippur? Or afterwards?

The new Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum, who was sworn in October 1, has been hailed as the first woman president of Mexico, realizing in her country the aspirations of Kamala Harris to become the first woman president in the United States. Just as Harris also would become the first Black U.S. President and first of South Asian (Indian) descent, so too does Scheinbaum have an ethnic distinction. She is the first Jewish President of Mexico. However, Scheinbaum has downplayed that part of her identity. Will she take notice of Rosh Hashanah during her first days in office?

The San Diego Padres play a critical second game this evening in the wild card series against the Atlanta Braves, having won the first one 4-0 on Oct 1. Joe Musgrove of the Padres and Max Fried of the Braves are scheduled to be opposing pitchers. Fried, who is Jewish, undoubtedly heard of Sandy Koufax, the Los Angeles Dodger who refused to pitch on Yom Kippur in the 1965 World Series, thus winning accolades from Jews all over the country for demonstrating his respect for the Jewish religion. What impact, if any, will Rosh Hashanah have on Fried’s pitching? If the Padres defeat him, they will win the best-of-three wild card series and go on to play the rival Dodgers for the western divisional title of the National League.

It’s an old joke, but under the circumstances I can’t resist retelling it. A congregant says to his rabbi, “I’m really indecisive. I know how important it is to attend services, but I’m a big baseball fan, and tonight’s game is critical. I really don’t know what to do.” The rabbi replied, “Don’t worry about it; you can record it and watch it later.” Said the relieved congregant, “You mean, I can record the services?”

On behalf of my family and the staff and contributors to San Diego Jewish World, I’d like to wish our readers and their families a healthy, happy, prosperous and fulfilling New Year. May it also bring lasting peace to the people of Israel and to its neighbors! L’shana tova tikatevu.

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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World