B"H

Monday, Elul 4, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / August 21, 2023

We are now in the month of Elul, the last month of the year, 5783. Rosh Hashana will begin Friday night September 15.

Rosh Hashana is the only Biblical holiday which is also celebrated two days in Israel. Being that this year the first Day Rosh Hashana is on Shabbat, and the Shofar is not sounded on Shabbat, there will not be any Shofar blowing this year on the first day Rosh Hashana.

Q.  What does the name of this month, Elul, stand for?

A.  Elul is an acronym for "Ani Ldodi Vdodi Li."  Translated, it means, "I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me."  This refers to our relationship with G-d during Elul.  During this month we make a greater effort to become closer to G-d, ("I am to my beloved") through repentance (Teshuva), prayer (Tefila) and charity (Tzedakah). At the same time, G-d is closer to us ("my beloved is to me") showing us His mercy and granting our wishes for the coming year.

Q.  What is the significance of Rosh Hashana?

A.  Rosh Hashana is called "Yom Hadin" - "Day of Judgment."  On Rosh Hashana G-d judges the universe. The "U’nsaneh Tokef" - one of the highly emotional and moving prayers of the High Holidays, details the judgment process that occurs in the heavenly spheres on these holy days.

Q.  Why, of all days of the year, was the first of Tishrei set as Rosh Hashana - as the Day of Judgment?

A.  According to the Talmudic sage Rabbi Eliezer, Rosh Hashana is celebrated on the sixth day of creation, which is the day when Adam and Eve were created. Because Adam and Eve were created on this day, G-d designated it as the Day of Judgment.

Q.  Why isn't Rosh Hashana on the first day of creation, when heaven and earth were created?

A.  G-d created the universe so that mankind would make it a better world and thus a dwelling place for G-d, through observing His commandments. Adam and Eve and their descendants were entrusted and empowered with the responsibility of spiritually elevating the universe. Thus, Rosh Hashana was established on the day when Adam and Eve were created.

Q.  The mitzvah associated with Rosh Hashana is to hear the sound of the Shofar.  What is the connection between Rosh Hashana – the day of Judgment - and the sounding of the Shofar?

A   Among the many reasons given, the sounding of the Shofar reminds us of the Giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, which was accompanied by "thunder, lightning and the sound of the Shofar." Thus, the sound of the Shofar on Rosh Hashana, is a reminder to observe the Torah and mitzvot.

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