While most Jews know the tradition of sharing tapuchim (apples) and dvash (honey) on Rosh Hashanah to symbolize our hopes for a sweet New Year, many are not aware of the ancient tradition of combining dvash (honey) with chalav (milk) – the symbols of the land of Israel.

As we welcome this New Year, we at ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America, want to remind you of the power of chalav (milk) and dvash (honey). Most adults don't drink very much milk anymore, but we know that it was our primary source of nourishment when we were young. Parents and teachers alike told us that milk made our bones strong. Likewise there are Jews who don't connect with Israel very much, but if we look back on our history, we realize that the land of Israel was where we were born and where we became a Jewish People. It is still a part of us; it is the source of our strength. And honey, so pure and sweet, comes with an occasional bee sting.

May the year 5770 be a time when we all reconnect with the place of chalav and dvash, with the strength and nourishment of our people's past, and the sweetness of Israel's future. Please remember that ARZA is here to help you connect with Israel.