A Rabbi's Epic Prediction For the next 12 Months

Overview

Rabbi Friedman delivers a New Year message (5787) framed as a call to active responsibility rather than passive hope. He argues that the coming year’s energy will change around Friday night, but that the quality of the year depends on people doing their part—specifically by becoming “active participants” in improving the world, not “private citizens” focused only on themselves.

Main Themes and Predictions

Stop being passive; take communal responsibility

Friedman emphasizes that merely hoping or praying for a better year isn’t enough. People should use their “influence” to help others—inviting them to Shabbat meals, talking, encouraging, and either teaching or learning.

One good idea can turn life around

When asked how to bring positivity into a world filled with negativity, he responds that positivity is more powerful than negativity. In his view, one good idea can transform everything—especially when you stop being a spectator and make a difference for one person. That creates momentum: “a chain of mitzvah.”

Change the world by changing someone

Even though leaders and governments may feel distant, Friedman insists real change happens locally. You don’t need to reach “the whole world” to improve it.

Belief and positivity are choices

Responding to the idea that some people are simply “not naturally optimistic,” he stresses freedom of choice. People can choose positivity (and responsibility) just as they can choose negativity. He challenges the notion that positivity is only personality—it’s something people can practice.

Clarity about right and wrong; uncertainty only about the future

Friedman says next year will be “determinate,” with radical changes that will likely resolve major issues. He claims there’s less confusion about morality (“no gray area”), while anxiety remains about what tomorrow will bring.

“Year of the Messiah” / redemption as a hopeful direction

When asked for a word for 5787, Friedman frames it optimistically as a year where goals are reached and life becomes “heavenly”—a move toward the Messianic era.

Rosh Hashanah falling on Shabbat: a positive frame

He addresses historical anxiety by citing past years when Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat coincided with major tragedies—such as:

• Temple destruction
• Hitler / 1932
• Holocaust / 1942
• Oct. 7 / 2020

He rejects the idea of “coincidence” as a cause for fear. Instead, he argues this alignment should be interpreted positively—especially given the spiritual power of forgiveness on Yom Kippur and the idea that events can be framed as either fear-inducing or hope-inspiring.

The purpose of Rosh Hashanah is joy in relationship

He explains Rosh Hashanah as an anniversary of the creation of “humanity/relationship,” where God continually creates the world and seeks connection with people. Therefore, it should be treated as a holy time of joy and relationship—not dread.

Shabbat’s role: joy plus contentment

Friedman distinguishes joy from mere pleasure and emphasizes Shabbat’s “contentment” (no labor needed). With Rosh Hashanah beginning on Shabbat this year, he concludes the season combines joy and pleasure/contentment—a “year of joy and pleasure.”

Bottom-Line Call

The recurring directive is: “no more private citizens.” Use your influence, do mitzvot, improve one life at a time, and approach the new year with hopeful, grounded positivity—focused on responsibilities rather than fear.

Presenters / Contributors

• Rabbi Robert Frie(d)man (Rabbi Freriedman)