With Rosh Hashanah fast approaching, its message of renewal and unity become more important to celebrate than ever. Two stories out of New Orleans, better known for hurricanes and destruction in recent years, embody the deep spirit of the holiday. These are tales of people writing themselves and their community into the Book of Life about which we pray on the High Holidays, and they can inspire us to do the same.

First there is the story of two synagogues, one Reform and the other Orthodox. Following Katrina’s decimation of the latter’s facility; the Reform Temple offered the Orthodox Shul a new home on their property. What happened next? Two communities, lead by exemplary rabbis, shared a journey of mutual discovery and growth that mirrors the dream upon which the Third Temple will be built, according to a rabbinic legend.

Watch this and discover the deep wisdom, profound caring, mutual respect, good humor and refreshing capacity for self-deprecation which made it all possible. It’s funny, and profound.

Then there is the ongoing work of Avodah, featured in a Religion News Service story currently on the Beliefnet.com homepage.

From the little office behind Little Zion Baptist Church, David Eber, 24, works on recovery among residents of the Lower 9th Ward, distributing “green” building materials, writing grant applications and listening to Katrina stories.

Rebecca Waxman, 23, from St. Louis, drives around the city for Unity of Greater New Orleans, helping homeless people with new rental vouchers find apartments. Jenna Pollock, 23, from Massachusetts, is the community coordinator at a Tulane University medical clinic for uninsured families.

They are single, Jewish and idealistic. Until a few weeks ago, they and six others were housemates.

Given that Rosh Hashanah celebrates the birth of the world and creation of all humanity, I would say that these volunteers are already celebrating the holiday. They are, as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said when describing the experience of marching with Dr. King, praying with their feet…and their hands…and every other part of their beings. It’s pretty inspiring stuff.