Rosh Hashanah and 9/11: Preparing for the year ahead through trauma and grief - opinion

This year, Rosh Hashanah begins on September 11, the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The author, CEO of Ohel Children's Home and Family Services, argues that this convergence offers a rare opportunity to grapple with trauma and resilience. Drawing on post-9/11, Hurricane Sandy, and October 7 experiences, he emphasizes that recovery is not passive but requires intentional work to build resilience and find meaning.

This year, Rosh Hashanah begins on September 11, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. David Mandel, CEO of Ohel Children's Home and Family Services, argues that this convergence offers a rare opportunity to grapple not just with new beginnings, but also with trauma and resilience. Drawing on his organization's work after 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, and the October 7 attacks, he emphasizes that recovery is not passive. He cites Dr. Edith Eger: 'Time doesn't heal. It's what you do with the time.' Mandel introduces the term 'first and a half degree victim,' coined by Efrat Atun of Safeheart, referring to partners of those murdered on October 7 who are not legally entitled to survivors' mental health services. He argues that while we cannot prevent tragedy, we can invest in our ability to meet what comes by building relationships, strengthening communities, removing stigma around mental health, and cultivating resilience through faith and connection. The piece is a reflective opinion essay that uses the calendar coincidence as a framing device for a broader message about psychological recovery.