Rosh Hashana 5767

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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There are a few meanings behind Rosh Hashana. It marks the beginning of a new year, the anniversary of Creation, according to the Rabbis. This should be cause for great celebration. Yet Rosh Hashana is also a day of judgment, when every person’s destiny is determined. For this reason the Hallel, the joyous Psalms of praise to G-d recited on other holidays, is omitted. Rejoicing minimizes the serious nature of the day.

Interestingly, in the Torah, Rosh Hashana is only referred to as a day for sounding the shofar, the ram’s horn. No explanation is offered, however, why we sound the shofar. What is the real essence of Rosh Hashana?

G-d created the world with a purpose. In fact, every human being was created with a unique mission to accomplish: to make the world a better place to live.

Each year on the anniversary of man’s creation, G-d takes stock of man’s accomplishments and failures. He judges whether or not man is moving towards the fulfillment of his mission, and whether or not he deserves to be given another chance to fulfill that mission. This is the judgment of Rosh Hashana.

Sounding the shofar on Rosh Hashana reminds us of this judgment. Rambam explains that it is a wake-up call meant to arouse man from his complacency. He must realize that time is limited, and that if he does not make an effort to accomplish his mission he may not be granted another chance.

But there is another message in the shofar, too. The shofar is also blown on Rosh Hashanah to recall G-d’s blowing a Divine soul into man’s nostrils at Creation. It recalls G-d’s vote of confidence in man, that even when man fails, G-d allows him the opportunity to return to his role by doing Teshuva (repentance).

Yet, another message of the shofar is the coronation of G-d’s Kingdom. The sounding of the trumpet always heralds the king. We rejoice with the recognition of G-d’s glory.

On Rosh Hashana the emotions of awe and joy merge together. The joy actually complements the fear, for although we may fear the consequences of Divine judgment, we are comforted by the fact that the Great Judge has faith in us and wants us to succeed.

May we all be inscribed in the Book of Health and Happiness for the upcoming year.

"Remember us for life, O King Who wants life... for Your sake O G-d of life." (Rosh Hashana liturgy)

The Dubner Maggid related a parable. A retailer once suffered a terrible fire and lost most of his merchandise. Fearfully, he approached his supplier to ask for additional merchandise on credit, despite his inability to pay for the lost merchandise. The supplier heard his customer’s story and realizing that he was a good and steady customer, agreed to cancel the old debt and extend new credit.

An indigent person, hearing of the supplier’s generosity, also asked the supplier for a generous gift. Surprised when he was rebuffed, he asked, “Why am I any different than the first fellow, to whom you were so generous?”

The man replied, “He is an old customer who has fallen on hard times, so I agreed to help him. But, you, I hardly know you!”

The Maggid concluded that if we wish to make requests of G-d, we must be sure to have an ongoing relationship, and not merely wake up at Rosh Hashana with our requests.

Did You Know...

There is a mitzvah to eat more than usual on Erev Yom Kippur. Preferably, one should eat two meat meals. One should avoid eating heavy foods such as red meat. It is also customary not to eat fish at the second meal. Spicy foods should also be avoided.

Many people dip the challah into honey during these meals. Some do this at every festive meal between Rosh Hashana and Simchas Torah, as the entire period is a time of judgment.

There is also a custom to eat kreplach (dumplings) Erev Yom Kippur. The white dough covering the meaty filling represents the covering our sins with forgiveness and innocence.