By Donna Milanovich Srajer
President
Los Alamos Jewish Center

As the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah approaches, I feel its coming in the beauty of the change of seasons, the holiday’s prayerful time of self-reflection, the seeking of forgiveness, and the desire for renewal. It is a time of gratitude, of hope, and of community.

One of the most meaningful aspects of Rosh Hashanah is gathering with our Los Alamos Jewish Center family — friends old and new, along with visitors — who together create a warm and welcoming space where our tradition thrives.

This year, our community has something especially exciting to look forward to. While our traditional service leaders are away on itinerant service, we are blessed to welcome Dan Sucher from California, who will serve as our Shaliach Tzibur, or “Messenger of the Community” for Rosh Hashanah.

Dan comes to us with both deep roots in Jewish tradition and a gentle, approachable spirit that I know will resonate with our congregation. He grew up immersed in the sounds of prayer as the son of a professional cantor, which gave him a love of music and a respect for the power of communal worship.

Over the years, Dan has shared his gifts with a wide range of communities. A graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, he has led High Holiday services at Boston University Hillel and, more recently, at Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock in Los Angeles. In each setting, he has connected with people of all ages and backgrounds, weaving together the familiar melodies of our liturgy with some new ones, all with heartfelt intention that makes them come alive.

When our board considered those who might best serve our community this year, Dan’s name quickly rose to the top. The decision to invite him was unanimous. What makes him such a great fit for the Los Alamos Jewish Center is that he embraces our vision for community life — grounded in tradition and naturally welcoming and inclusive. He understands that prayer is not a performance but an act of togetherness — one that invites everyone to raise their voices, hearts, and spirits in unison.

I look forward to knowing that our services will continue to be led by someone who so deeply values inclusivity and authenticity. These qualities reflect how, as a community, we strive to hold space for every individual, honoring our traditions while also embracing the evolving needs of Jewish life in the modern world. Dan appreciates that balance, and I believe his leadership will make this year’s High Holidays especially meaningful.

I hope you will join us in celebrating the beginning of our High Holiday season and also extend a heartfelt welcome to Dan. (Erev Rosh Hashanah is 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, at the Los Alamos Jewish Center at 2400 Canyon Road. To RSVP, click here.)

From our family to yours: L’shana tova tikatevu — may you be inscribed for a good and sweet year.