Rosh Hashanah: A Year of Renewal, Purpose, and Hope

Good morning, dear ones! As we approach Rosh Hashanah, many of you are busy preparing the simanim (symbolic foods) and readying your homes for these important days. While you focus on the preparations, let's pause to reflect on the profound meaning of Rosh Hashanah for each of us.

A Personal Dedication: Prayers for Healing and Freedom

This message is dedicated to the speedy return of Elon, Ben, Ravid, and Sark, and for a refuah sheleima (complete healing) for all those in need of a yeshua (salvation), especially the return of all our hostages and captives. May they merit freedom, just as Yosef was freed from prison on Rosh Hashanah. We also pray for the safety of all the brave soldiers fighting in Eretz Yisrael.

Approaching Rosh Hashanah: The Heart of a Pauper

Reb Haskell Levenshtein, the Mashiach of Ponivezh, taught that "Kol shana she’rasha" — a year that begins poor or empty can become very rich. This comes from the verse in Parashat Eikev:"Hashem looks at Eretz Yisrael, mireshit hashanah (from the beginning of the year) till the end."

Notice the word reshit is written without an aleph, implying it can mean "rush" or poverty.

What does this teach us?When we stand to pray on Rosh Hashanah, we must come like a poor person with nothing—recognizing that everything depends solely on Hashem’s mercy. Regardless of our material or personal stability, our true reliance is only on Hashem.

If we stand before Hashem with full dependence and humility, He blesses abundantly.

Rosh Hashanah: A Call for Change and Self-Reflection

The word “Shanah” (year) shares the root shinui (change) — reminding us that Rosh Hashanah is about renewal.

We are like soldiers in Hashem’s army, each with a unique purpose. Hashem asks:“Have you made the world better through your actions?”

Even if you feel you haven't grown, remember:Teshuvah (repentance) is a gift, a chance to start fresh. The verse "Baruch Seileh Yom Haginu" means Hashem covers all past mistakes. Now, we have the power to change and improve.

The Three Meanings of "Kivnei Maron"

In the prayer Unetaneh Tokef, we say:"Kol ba'ei Olam yavrun lefanekha kivnei Maron" — everyone passes before Hashem like kivnei Maron, which has three interpretations:

1. Like sheep counted for tithes: Each sheep is counted individually, symbolizing how Hashem judges each of us carefully.

2. The narrow path to Mount Meron: Only one person can ascend at a time, symbolizing individual judgment and care.

3. The courageous soldiers of King David: We are called to be brave, advancing positively in our spiritual journey.

The Shofar: Opening Our Hearts to Mercy

We say, "Ashrei Ha'am Yod’ei Teruah" — blessed are those who understand the sound of the Shofar. The Shofar helps us express what words cannot, breaking down walls of distance from Hashem.

When we listen with intention, Hashem’s judgment shifts from Din (strict judgment) to Rachamim (mercy). The Shofar awakens our hearts to Teshuvah and transformation.

Malchuyot, Zichronot, Shofarot: Crowning Hashem and Remembering the Akedah

The Musaf prayer of Rosh Hashanah contains three sections:

• Malchuyot (Kingship): We crown Hashem as King by emulating His attributes, especially His merciful midot.

• Zichronot (Remembrances): We recall Hashem’s memory of all deeds, highlighted by the Akedah of Yitzchak — ultimate self-sacrifice.

• Shofarot (Shofar blasts): Connecting to Mount Sinai and future redemption.

Seeing the Future on Rosh Hashanah

A great gadol from WWII taught that:

• Avraham saw Mount Moriah as a mountain — the present reality.

• Yitzchak saw it as a field — potential yet to be built.

• Yaakov saw it as the home of Hashem — envisioning the spiritual future.

On Rosh Hashanah, we ask Hashem to see not just our past but our future potential and good intentions. This is the essence of renewal and hope.

"Kaveh El Hashem": Never Give Up Hope

We say twice in Ashrei:"Kaveh El Hashem" — place your hope in Hashem. Be strong and courageous, never lose faith, and always hope for Hashem’s mercy and blessing.

Final Blessing for a Sweet New Year

May this Rosh Hashanah bring you and your family renewal, strength, and joy. May Hashem bless us all with a year of health, peace, and success.

L’Shanah Tovah U’Metukah!