Chief Rabbi Funnye’s Message For The New Year 5786

Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah Message 5786
Chief Rabbi Capers Shmuel Yefuneh
September 18, 2025 – 25th Elul 5785

Shalom, Shalom, Kol Adath B’nai Yisrael, Happy New Year and Happy Yom Terurah. This Rosh Hashanah holds special significance for our entire community, not only here in America, but throughout the world. A great deal has transpired over the past ten months. The Constitution of the United States of America is under siege. This siege is being conducted by certain forces within the government of our country. First, there are communities that have been under siege by an agency called the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Many of our communities have people living in absolute fear: Haitians, Mexicans, and several folks from different countries in Central America and South America.

Now, the Constitution is under threat of having the First Amendment, which covers the right to freedom of religion, the right of the people to peacefully assemble, and freedom of the press. Now these rights that we all should hold near and dear to our hearts are being stricken, or, under attack of being lost for every American. Now is the time, more than ever, for synagogues, mosques, and churches to collectively sound the Shofar throughout this country, from every hill, mole hill, and every mountain top across the land. The shofar should be blown with every note being sounded loudly and clearly.
As I understand the situation, we have not witnessed a time like this in our history since the McCarthy era. When this senator from Wisconsin looked at every person in Hollywood as being Communist! We all need to be stirred up and wake up to the path that our country is traveling!
We are also a part of the Jewish community in the United States of America, and as members of the Jewish community, I know that some of you are torn by the war that has been going on since October 7, 2023, in Gaza. I know that I am personally overwhelmed. I am overwhelmed by the terrible situation going on in Gaza. The estimates of deaths, including women and children, bombing of hospitals, and reports of starvation, which have been reported in the press, both Jewish and Non-Jewish media outlets. Yet, in a few cases, it seems that the plight of the hostages has taken a backseat, as our armed forces are now targeting the full destruction of Gaza.
The Great Shofar must be sounded throughout the Land of America! And We must let freedom ring: Let the Supreme Court Justices hear the ring of freedom; let freedom ring throughout the Halls of Congress; let freedom ring from every media outlet, both print and TV news. Finally, let freedom ring in the soul of every American. No matter which side of the aisle you are standing! We Must Let Freedom Ring!
Shana Tovah to the whole House of Israel!