This New Year’s card is from Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), meaning it was printed before Israel was declared a state. After May 14, 1948, printed items such as these would say Medinat Yisrael– the State of Israel. The card features a serious Theodor Herzl and instead of wishing the recipient a Happy New Year or a Sweet New Year as we would typically do, it wishes:
‘A year of abundance and of blessings, and a year of fulfilment of our aspirations.’
Given all that has happened to the Jewish people and Israel in the year that is ending, it may be too much to ask someone to be happy, other than to be happy that the year is over, but we all have dreams and aspirations and we can always hope that they be fulfilled.
Whatever your aspirations are for the new year that begins at sundown on Oct. 2. I hope they are fulfilled.
My aspirations, which I know you share, are the return of the hostages, the end of suffering, and peace. Ken Yehi Razon. May it be so.
