During the course of the festive meal on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, before the slices of apple are dipped in honey and distributed to the participants, the following is read:

As we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, we are deeply grateful to you, dear God, for gathering our family and friends together in this precious season. Each of us contributes unique gifts and we are strengthened by our togetherness. We are filled with joy in welcoming in the New Year and hopeful for our future.

We note with sadness, those who are missing from our celebration. Thoughts of our loved ones who are not present inspire us to deeds of grandeur and truth.

Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the world, and we recognize how our world has changed. We are saddened by the pain and destruction caused by the enemies of peace. We pray for the safety of the young men and women who serve to defend freedom and pray for the minimizing of suffering and loss of life.

With happiness, we celebrate the State of Israel's 56th year. Our people in Israel welcome the gathering of Jews from around the world. Some go up to Israel to seek freedom from oppression, others to connect to our people's heritage and destiny in our homeland. We pray that all who live within Israel's borders find serenity and spiritual fulfillment.

We commit ourselves to stand in solidarity with our brethren around the world. Some of our fellow Jews are facing new outbreaks of anti-Semitism, others are suffering from economic privation. We pray that You, Adonai, strengthen them during these difficult times. We will be Your partner to help them through tzedakah and hesed, acts of loving-kindness.

The New Year is a time for our own spiritual renewal. We have been granted the power to improve our relationships with others and to deepen our knowledge and connection to Jewish tradition and God. We commit ourselves to greater Jewish learning and will seek out opportunities for personal study and growth.

As we dip our apples in honey, we pray for an additional measure of sweetness. May we continue to grow in our commitment to our faith, our people and our community. May all Jews experience blessings in the year ahead, and may the world become a better place for all Your children.

Ye-hi ra-tzon mil-fa-ne-ha,
Ah-do-nai Eh-lo-hay-nu vay-lo-hay ah-vo-tay-nu,
She-te-ha-desh ah-lay-nu sha-nah to-vah u-me-tu-kah.