High Holiday Refletions Booklet: Refuah Shleimah

This year’s High Holy Day booklet takes as its theme Refuah Shleimah, a Hebrew phrase meaning “complete healing” or “full recovery.” Traditionally offered as a wish for someone who is unwell, it carries a hope for wholeness that is both physical and spiritual (the word shleimah shares a root with shalom, peace and wholeness). It’s available to read or download now

It is a theme that feels both timely and expansive one that invites reflection on healing at a personal, communal, and global level.

In the wake of recent events, this theme resonates in many ways:

Within our own community, as we process a sense of loss of faith and confidence in our place in Australia, particularly in the aftermath of December 14th.

Across Klal Yisrael, as we continue to navigate the impact of October 7th, the war in Israel, rising antisemitism, and the broader challenges facing Jewish identity around the world.
On a wider canvas, as we confront a shifting geopolitical landscape, the rapid rise of AI, fractures in social cohesion, and the ongoing realities of climate change.

This year’s booklet brings together reflections, writing, and perspectives from members of our community exploring what healing complete, partial, ongoing, or hoped-for might mean for each of us as we enter the new year.

“As we complete this year and prepare to enter the next, may we find strength in the gift of refuah shlemah – a complete healing of our body, heart, mind, and spirit. May our shattered hearts become whole not because they have never been broken, but because they have been lovingly healed. And together, may we declare: Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek—strength, strength, let us be strengthened.”
Rabbi Allison RH Conyer
Senior Rabbi Temple Beth Israel
ARC Chair