B"H

Thursday, Elul 7, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / August 24, 2023

Questions & Answers about the holiday of Rosh Hashana

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 and decides each and everyone’s verdict for the coming year.  However, the judgment is not sealed until Yom Kippur. The ten days, from Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur, are called, “Aseret Yemai Teshuva” – “Ten days of Repentance.” During these days, through prayer, repentance and acts of charity, one can have a bad decree reversed to a good one.

In the “Unsane Tokef” prayer, one of the highly emotional and moving prayers of the High Holidays, the judgment process that occurs in the heavenly spheres on this day, is spelled out.

Q.  Of all days of the year, why was Rosh Hashana designated for the day of judgment?

A.  According to the Talmudic sage Rabbi Eliezer, Rosh Hashana is celebrated on the sixth day of creation. This day has special significance as Adam and Eve were created on that day.

Q.  Why isn’t Rosh Hashana on the first day of creation?

A.  The goal and purpose of the entire creation was so that people will fulfill G-d’s commandments and make the world a holy place - a dwelling for G-d.Mankind was entrusted and empowered with the responsibility of spiritually elevating the universe. Rosh Hashana was established on the day when Adam and Eve were created to illustrate the importance and responsibility we all have. The world is judged based on our actions and we have the power to build the world.

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 Shofar?

A.   The sound of the Shofar, on the day of judgment, serves as a call for self-searching, to repent, correct and become closer to G-d, so that we will be judged favorably.

Another reason:  The sound 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" (Exodus 20:15).  Thus, the sound of the Shofar on Rosh Hashana, when we usher in the New Year, reminds us to observe the Torah and strengthen our adherence to its mitzvot in the New Year.

During the month of Elul, it is customary that we wish each other a "Shana Tova" - A Happy and Healthy New Year. May we all be inscribed for a healthy, successful and Nachas year.  Amen

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