Thursday, Elul 9, 5777 / August 31, 2017

One reason is to recall G-d’s testing Abraham when he commanded him to bring his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. The last minute, G-d told Abraham that it was only a test. Abraham brought a ram as a sacrifice instead. The Shofar, which is made of a ram’s horn, serves as a reminder, on this day of judgment, of our forefathers, Abraham and Isaac’s great merits, which we pray will invoke G-d’s mercy on their descendants – the people of Israel.

Another reason is to recall the Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which was accompanied by the sound of the Shofar. 

Q.What connection does the Giving of the Torah, have with Rosh Hashana - the day of judgment?

A.  Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Barditchev answers this question with the following parable: A king got lost in a forest. He wandered deeper and deeper in the woods, until he lost all hope of ever seeing his beautiful palace again. One day, he suddenly met a man who knew the way out of the forest and helped him get back to his city and palace. The king rewarded the man greatly and made him one of his closest friends.

One day, the man sinned against the king. Knowing that he was about to be severely punished, the man asked of the king to grant him one wish--that he be allowed to wear the same clothes that he wore when he saved the king. The king agreed. 

As soon as the king looked at him, he remembered how the man saved his life. Immediately, this invoked feelings of affection in the king. He forgave him, renewed his friendship and restored him to his position.

The same is with the Jewish people, who stand before G-d in judgment on Rosh Hashana.  When G-d wanted to give the Torah He approached many nations, but no other nation was willing to accept the restrictions and responsibility of the Torah and mitzvot. Only the people of Israel accepted the Torah and crowned G-d as their king.

By sounding the Shofar on Rosh Hashana which recalls the giving of the Torah, we are saying to

G-d, “Remember when we were there for You, when no one else was. So, please be there for us on this day of judgment when we need You and grant us a happy and healthy New Year.

Q.  Why is the Torah reading on the first day of Rosh Hashana about the miraculous birth of Isaac?

A.  It was on Rosh Hashana that Sarah became pregnant with Yitzchak, at the age of 90.  As a result we read about this great miracle on Rosh Hashana.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY & SHANA TOVA