B"H
Monday, Elul 8, 5781 / August 16, 2021
Rosh Hashana, the Hebrew New Year, will be in three weeks, beginning Monday night, September 6th. Unlike other holidays which are celebrated only one day in Israel, Rosh Hashana is a two day holiday in the Diaspora as well as in Israel.
As with other Jewish holidays, it is a mitzvah each year before Rosh Hashana to study, review and become re-educated about the mitzvot, historical events, customs and reasons connected with Rosh Hashana.
Q. Why is the holiday called "Rosh Hashana?"
A. The literal translation of "Rosh Hashana" is, "Head of the year." Rosh Hashana is not only the beginning of the New Year, but even more important, the "head" of the New Year.
Our sages explain that just as the head controls and directs the activities of the entire person, so too, everything which will transpire in the coming year is determined on Rosh Hashana. Rosh Hashana is the universal day of judgment when G-d judges the entire world.
Q. Each Jewish holiday relates to a specific historical event which took place on that day. What historical event took place on the first of Tishrei to warrant this day to become Rosh Hashana?
A. According to the Talmudic sage Rabbi Eliezer, Rosh Hashana is celebrated on the sixth day of creation – it is the day in which Adam and Eve were created.
Q. Why on the day when Adam and Eve were created, not on the day the world was created?
A. The purpose of creation was so that mankind would make this world a dwelling place for G-d's presence. This is accomplished through observing G-d's commandments. Since mankind is responsible to fulfill the purpose of creation, Rosh Hashana - the New Year – is on the day when Adam and Eve were created.
Q. Rosh Hashana is the universal Day of Judgment when G-d judges the universe. Why was Rosh Hashana - the day in which Adam and Eve were created - chosen as the universal Day of Judgment?
A. On Rosh Hashana, the very same day in which they were created, Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit of the "tree of knowledge." G-d passed judgment upon them on that day as the story is told in the beginning of the Torah. Our sages say that G-d said to Adam, "Just as you stood in judgment before me today, so will your descendants be judged each year on this day."
Q. Why does the Cantor wear a white robe on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur?
A. White symbolizes cleanliness and purity. The white garment alludes to the words of the prophet, "Even if your sins will be as scarlet, they will become white like snow." It is a symbol of forgiveness.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY & A SHANA TOVA