On the eve of the Jewish New Year, we have thoughts from Angela Buchdahl, senior rabbi at Central Synagogue in New York. Her new book, "Heart of a Stranger," is about her journey to becoming the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi.

At Rosh Hashanah, we count the years since God created the world, this year being the year 5,786 (give or take a few billion years!).

While this is a season of joy and community gathering, the New Year also begins a season of atonement, where we take an accounting of who we are, and how we can do better. We believe that, with repentance, people – and societies – can change.

This idea of taking stock as we approach a New Year may sound familiar. Many Americans make New Year's resolutions on January 1: Resolving to learn a new skill, lose 15 pounds,

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