B"H

Friday, Elul 10, 5784 / September 13, 2024

This Shabbat we read from the Torah Parshat Ki-Teitzei.

Rosh Hashana, which ushers in the New Year, 5785, begins Wednesday night, October 2nd, and is celebrated two days, through Thursday & Friday. Contrary to other Biblical holidays, Rosh Hashana is celebrated two days in Israel just as in the Diaspora.

Q.  What is the significance of the holy day of Rosh Hashana?

A.  Rosh Hashana is called "Yom Hadin" - "Day of Judgment." Rosh Hashana G-d judges the universe. The "U’nsaneh Tokef" - one of the highly emotional and moving prayers of the High Holidays, which is recited on Rosh Hashana and on Yom Kippur, 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 and formed?

A.  G-d created the universe so that mankind would make it a better world and a dwelling place for G-d, through observing His commandments.  Adam and Eve and their descendants, which includes all of us, were entrusted and empowered with the responsibility of spiritually elevating the physical universe. Because this special mission was given to Adam and Eve and their descendants, 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.   The Shofar on the Day of Judgment, serves as a wakeup call for inner and self-searching, repenting and coming closer to G-d. 

Also, 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, is a reminder to adhere to and observe the Torah and mitzvot.

SHABBAT  SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 6:50 / Shabbat ends: 7:51

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