B"H
Wednesday, Elul 29, 5784 / October 2, 2024
This is the last Torah Fax of this year, 5784. Next Torah Fax will be, G-d willing, next week, after Rosh Hashana – in the Hebrew year, 5785.
Q. On the first day of Rosh Hashana we go to a body of water, preferably one which has fish in it. We recite a special prayer and symbolically throw our sins into the water. This service is called “Tashlich.” What is the reason for this custom and why is it called Tashlich?
A. "Tashlich" means "to cast away." The name is derived from the words of the prophet Micha, "And you shall cast into the depth of the sea all your sins" (Micha 7:19). The Tashlich service consists of going to a lake, river, or stream, preferably which has fish, and reciting various verses from the Bible and Psalms. After reciting Tashlich, we shake out our pockets or the corners of our garments over the water. This symbolizes the concept of casting our sins into the water.
There is another reason we recite Tashlich which has to do with the Torah reading of the day. According to the Midrash, when Abraham went to offer Yitzchak (Isaac) as a sacrifice, Satan placed many obstacles in their way. One of them was that he created a river to block their path. Abraham and Yitzchak continued walking right into the river. When the water reached their necks, Abraham exclaimed, "Save us G-d, for the waters have come to take my soul." G-d ordered Satan to remove the obstruction.
The Tashlich service commemorates the self-sacrifice of Abraham and Yitzchak in order to fulfill G-d's will. On Rosh Hashana, we ask G-d to apply this in our favor and as their descendants, and bless us in their merit for a good, happy and sweet New Year.
Q. Why do we choose a body of water which contains fish?
A. Fish have no eyelids; thus their eyes are always open. In the same way, we pray that G-d, "Who neither sleeps nor slumbers" (Psalms 121), should watch over us continuously.
Q. On Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur every Jew attends synagogue. In synagogue, even those who don’t wear a head covering at all times will be required to wear one. The head covering is called, “Kipah” or “Yarmulka.” What is the reason we cover our heads?
A. Covering our head is an expression of our fear of G-d. It symbolizes that there is a greater power over and above us. “Kipah” means “covering.” The word "Yarmulka" is derived from the Hebrew words, "Yarei M'elokim" which means, "to fear G-d."
I hereby want to express special thanks to all who responded to our Rosh Hashana Campaign.
May you and your loved ones be inscribed in the Book of Life and Good Health. May the New Year bring you only blessings, prosperity and Nachas. May the New Year, 5785, usher in an era of peace for Israel and for the world.
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW
Montreal candle lighting: Wed. 6:14 / Thurs. 7:13 / Fri. 6:10 / Shabbat ends: 7:10