B"H

Monday, Elul 18, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / September 5, 2023

Q.    Why is it that on Rosh Hashana, the Day of Judgment, we do not fast, while on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, we do fast?

A.    In Scriptures (Nechemia 8:9-10) it states that after returning from the first exile, Ezra the Scribe, gathered the Jewish people on Rosh Hashana and read the Torah to them.  Upon hearing his words, the people’s hearts were stirred to repentance, and they wept. 

Ezra then told them, “This day is holy to G-d, do not mourn or weep… Go eat and drink sweets.  Send portions of food to those who have not prepared, for this day is holy unto G-d.   Do not be saddened, for the joy of G-d is your strength…”

Eating and drinking on Rosh Hashana is an expression of our confidence and faith in G-d that He will judge us favorably and as result we eat and drink for we have nothing to fear.

Fasting on Yom Kippur is a sign that our sins are forgiven.  Just as angels have no sins and do not need food, so too, we show that we do not need food on Yom Kippur, because we are without sin, like the angels.  

Q.    What is the significance in that the Shofar is blown from the narrow end while the wide end of the Shofar is pointing upward?

A.    One of the verses from the Psalms recited before the sounding of the Shofar is, "Out of distress I called to G-d; with abounding relief, G-d answered me."

The narrow side of the Shofar represents our call of distress, while the wide end of the Shofar, which is pointed upward, represents G-d's answering our call of distress with abounding relief.

Q.   After reciting the Kiddush at the Rosh Hashana evening meal, we recite the Hamotzi-blessing over the Challah-bread and then dip it into honey. Why do we dip the Challah-bread into honey on Rosh Hashana?

A.    It is to express our plea and desire for a sweet and happy new year.  Besides honey, we also eat food whose names resemble good and happy meanings.  Through these symbolic foods, we pray that G-d grant us a good and sweet new year.

Today, the 18th of Elul, is the birthday of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov and Rabbi Shneur Zalmen, the first Rebbe of Chabad.  May their saintly memories bring blessings to all.

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