As we look forward to Rosh Hashanah, which our tradition calls “The Birthday of Our World,” one of the core concepts of Judaism is that we are “Co-Partners” with God in the ongoing creation and repair of our world. We Jews, always has our religion called to us to live with open eyes, and with an open heart, even as living in that way will surely lead us to realize that God’s creation is anything but perfect or complete.

For sure, as we look at our world, we can see countless miracles and wonders that for me could only emanate from God: wonders like the complexity of the human brain, and our human capacity to love and to aspire to worthy values and ideals.

But also, in the everyday world in which we live, we see that, while somewhere in the distant heavens there may be peace and tranquility, there is not here on Earth. Here there is so much that is in need of care and repair. Here, on this day, there is much suffering and cruelty and despair in our world.

One of the basic beliefs of Judaism is that God needs us human beings if Divine ends are to be realized. That means that we are, at the least, “Co-Partners” with God in striving to make this a better, safer and more peaceful world.

As we approach a new year, let us know that it is through actions of reaching and sharing that we sanctify our lives, and cause God’s presence to be affirmed and felt in our world.

Rabbi Emeritus David Greenberg