VOLUME 122 NUMBER 8
Elul 29, 5786
September 11, 2026
Special Rosh Hashanah Edition
Candlelighting Time 6:57
We have a massive court case pending. It’s called Rosh Hashanah. The Talmud explains that the books of Life and Death are opened and each and every person’s entire life history of the past year is examined in great detail. Not a point is overlooked or not dealt with. Not only does it appear to be daunting but indeed we will recite in the prayers on Rosh Hashanah that even the ministering angels are terrified during this time. Even though they are not being judged but the intensity of the Heavenly Court is so imposing that it effects them as well. Certainly, it would seem that on that very day we should tremble and shiver realizing that the outcome of this judgment is impacting on our very being in many ways. Health, family, peace for our nation, livelihood, protection from our enemies and in general our standard of living. We are asking for a lot of things and the big question is what are we deserving of ?
On Rosh Hashanah we actually don’t shake in our boots but rather we have festive Yom Tov meals and we sing strengthening our faith in Hashem. Indeed, as we prepare for this Yom Tov we go through the same protocol as every Yom Tov as though Rosh Hashanah is no different than any other Yom Tov. Yet it truly is. The Midrash states that we trust Hashem that He will vindicate us entirely and allow us another year of only the best! How can we rest assured that the outcome will be one that exonerates us from our previous wrongdoings
Truth be told, judgment is actually factored into the very spirit of this world. Adam, the original creation of Hashem was formed on this very day. He sinned on this very day, repented and was forgiven on this very day. Therefore, from the very onset of the world’s functioning judgment and forgiveness have been the core of existence and our relationship with Hashem. So, on the contrary, the world continues to operate within this framework because that is how the parameters of our association with Hashem were established.
However, there is a caveat. That acceptance that Hashem conducts the world within the strictures of judgment, repentance and forgiveness provides the world with its format and continuity. Without that configuration our connection with Hashem is compromised and defective. Attending to that arrangement is the conformation recognizing Hashem’s Will and ongoing interaction with all the goings on within the framework of His plan for civilization and especially our nation.
And that acknowledgement actually creates simcha, an unbridled joy that permeates the entire creation from the smallest element to the largest and expansive galaxies and universes beyond our feeble comprehension. The realization that Hashem judges us so that we will respond to that ‘inquiry’ in a positive fashion that will promote repentance and subsequently forgiveness propels us to assess, modify, and enhance our lives. Therefore, as we approach with certainly a degree of trepidation understanding that Hashem will indeed appraise our situation and decide whether or not we deserve even life, we are also filled with the simcha that Hashem ‘sincerely’ looks upon us favorably but we must as well consign that we are part and parcel of that plan of repentance and hopefully acceptance.
A BYTE FOR ROSH HASHANAH
Although we will not blow the Shofar on the first day of Rosh Hashanah since it is Shabbos and we are not allowed to because the Sages instituted a decree that using the Shofar might lead to a transgression of carrying it in the public domain, still we have another protective device. It is called Shabbos, not only a day of rest and introspection but also the rays of Hashem’s kindness are present on Shabbos and that will be a saving grace for us.
GOOD SHABBOS AND KESIVA V’CHASIMA TOVA
WISHING EVERYONE A GOOD YEAR FULL OF JOY, THE BEST OF HEALTH, PEACE AND NACHAS FROM ALL
