What is your biggest hope for 5783?

We asked members of the Jewish community in Chicago and beyond to tell us their biggest hope for the Jewish new year. The common thread through most of the responses was hope for less hatred and division–and more kindness and harmony. Here’s what they said…

My hope is that people will be kinder to one another and the world will be a safer place–and I hope as Jews we will help to make it that way.

Wendy C. Abrams, Deerfield.

My hope is that people will be more curious and less furious.

A.J. Jacobs, New York City

Wishing for a year of health and safety for our community, and peace for Israel, Ukraine, and everywhere that our Jewish family calls home. Hoping we continue to celebrate our accomplishments together with joy and face any challenges moving from strength to strength.

David Golder, Winnetka

My wish for the new year is that the world starts taking baby steps toward healing and inclusion and away from the current dumpster fire in which we reside.

Aimee Kleiman, Northbrook

I fervently hope for more political stability in Israel and more unity among all segments of Israeli society–and for closer unity with our Diaspora sisters and brothers.

Ofer Bavly, Jerusalem

I wish for random acts of kindness–and to pay it forward.

Paula Harris, Skokie

I have two hopes for the new year: First, the war in Ukraine will end, pre-war boundaries will be fully restored and reinforced, and to the extent possible, all families will be reunited. Second, no teacher in the U.S. will be told they need to learn how to use a gun.

Hedy Weiss, Chicago

My hope for this Jewish new year is that there is less vitriol, more listening, less deception, more accuracy, less shouting, more reading, less fearmongering, more openhandedness. I have been — perhaps naively — surprised by recent ugliness; I long to be surprised by goodness.

Abigail Pogrebin, New York City

Eat more lox.

Sarah Follmer, Chicago

People need to be heard and people need to listen. People need to stop shouting and just listen and respect each other’s differences.

Marlee Matlin, Los Angeles

I want to see strides made in mental health and climate change, along with stricter gun laws. I want next year to be filled with simchas instead of sadness. I want next year to be a year we all talk about because we are impressed with people’s kindness.

Ron Krit, Highland Park