As America gears up for Election Day, another “election” is taking place. This Rosh Hashanah, as on every other one, God will be voted in for another year-long term. The vote is cast through simple acts of devotion, goodness and kindness and belief in His ultimate rulership.
Throughout the year, our calendar is filled with holidays commemorating key historic milestones in Jewish history. Passover recalls our flight from Egypt; Shavuot receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai, Purim the saving of the Jewish nation. One might wonder as Rosh Hashanah approaches, what happening, what key event in Jewish history do the Days of Awe celebrate?
The Talmud tells us that Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of, not the first day of creation, but rather the sixth, the day of creation that brought us Adam – mankind. It is poignant that it does not celebrate the creation of the physical world, which actually occurred five days earlier.
Mystical thought explains the focus on people, rather than the world, on these holiest of Days this way. God created the world not to have static, lifeless planetary matter, but rather a dynamic changeable world whose material crassness could be transformed into vehicles for good and meaning. This is accomplished through the positive actions, thoughts and words of people.
Furthermore, our sages teach us that the reason Adam/man was created a single being (unlike other species which were created in large numbers) was to demonstrate how one person equals a whole world. Every individual, regardless of personal status, has the capacity to rise and attain the highest degree of fulfillment for his/her self and the rest of the world.
So when Rosh Hashanah arrives, we commit ourselves to a more meaning-oriented and spiritual lifestyle, and to a deeper relationship with God. We don’t need a specific event to be the focus of Rosh Hashanah; for the holiday commemorates the very purpose for which we are here. May we all merit to be written and sealed in the Book of Life for a happy, healthy and meaningful year.
Join us for services at Chabad of Kendall/Pinecrest in our spacious sanctuary where prayers are warm, the people friendly and everyone feels at home. We offer a welcoming service to all, regardless of background or affiliation. Our Children’s Program for grades K-3 and 4-8 and teen services will include stories, songs, refreshments, contests and prizes. The program is taught by our loving and engaging teachers, who will explain the meaning of some of the prayers. No membership is required to attend the services. However, a donation is suggested and reservations are required.
To reserve your seat, call 305-234-5654 or go to www.chabadofkendall.org
