3 Very Painful And Often Overlooked Struggles That People Face During Rosh Hashanah

Below are 3 very painful and often overlooked struggles that people may face during Rosh Hashanah, especially in deeper emotional or spiritual contexts:

1. Feeling Spiritually Unworthy or Unforgiven

For many, Rosh Hashanah—a time of deep reflection, repentance, and renewal—can stir up crippling guilt over past sins, broken relationships, or spiritual failure.

Instead of feeling hopeful about a new year, some feel haunted by the weight of what they’ve done or failed to do.

The fear of not being written in the Book of Life can create intense anxiety and spiritual insecurity, especially when they don't feel “good enough” for God’s mercy.

> "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before My eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good..."

—Isaiah 1:16-17

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2. Isolation and Rejection from Community or Family

Rosh Hashanah is meant to be a time of unity and gathering. But for many, it highlights their exclusion:

Converts, Messianic Jews, people of color, or those with different traditions may feel rejected or judged by Jewish or even family circles.

Others face loneliness, especially if they have no one to celebrate with or are grieving the loss of loved ones.

> "God sets the lonely in families..."

—Psalm 68:6

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3. The Pain of Unanswered Prayers and Lost Hope

Rosh Hashanah invites people to ask God for a sweet new year—but for many, previous years have brought heartache, loss, or disappointment.

People struggle with the bitterness of prayers that went unanswered: for healing, for reconciliation, for provision, for a child, or for peace.

This can turn the “joyous” season into a time of quiet despair, questioning if God is listening at all.

> "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?"

—Psalm 13:1