Celebrating Rosh Hashanah as the Jewish New Year for Those in the Diaspora: The Tribe of Judah

Today, we observe Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the Hebraic month of Tishrei. Tishrei means “beginning,” marking a time that emphasizes change—change that only the Most High knows, whether for better or worse. This is a sacred time when those who take it seriously understand the importance of self-reflection and transformation. Rosh Hashanah initiates a 10-day countdown to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, where the Creator deals with us according to our deeds from the year we’ve just left behind.

For the Black Diaspora, particularly those who identify with the Tribe of Judah, Rosh Hashanah is not just a commemoration of the Jewish New Year; it is an opportunity to step into a deeper spiritual journey. We are the descendants of those who have endured centuries of oppression, but as we emerge from the systems of Babylon—namely, the American system that has long suppressed us—it’s crucial to reflect on what this sacred time truly means.

Rosh Hashanah is about change. It’s about acknowledging the power of self-transformation and breaking free from the habits and mindsets that have held us back. As ABBA begins to weigh our actions, this season urges us to repent and release old ways that no longer serve us, our families, or our communities. The weaning off of unhealthy behaviors begins here.

As we reflect, we are reminded that change is possible. Repentance brings with it clarity—a revelation of what must be corrected in our lives. This moment is meant to carry a catastrophic weight, pushing us to alter our paths and reminding us that we have the ability to change. But this internal change doesn’t stop within us; it becomes an external challenge, compelling us to do better in the world around us.

In the words of my mother, “When you know better, you do better.” This is what Rosh Hashanah calls us to embody. To truly know better is to allow the Father to purge us of what doesn’t serve our highest good, whether personally or communally. As the Tribe of Judah, we must embrace this opportunity for growth. Let this season be a soul-cleansing experience, one where we let go of the weight of past traumas, oppressive ideologies, and self-defeating behaviors.

As we transition out of Babylon, Rosh Hashanah reminds us of our responsibility to ourselves and our legacy. We are a people with a divine mission, and this season calls us to align with that purpose. The new year brings with it the potential for renewal—a chance to create a world in which we, as descendants of Judah, are free to live in righteousness, independence, and self-determination.

Let this Rosh Hashanah be the beginning of a new era for the Black Diaspora, where we step into our role as leaders, healers, and visionaries. As we repent and cleanse our souls, may we also cleanse the systems around us, working to create a world rooted in justice, liberation, and divine truth.

Shanah Tovah!