בס "ד

Of all the holidays of the year, Rosh Hashanah has a unique and universal meaning for all of humanity. Rosh Hashanah does not mark a national or historical event specific to one nation. It is the day when all the inhabitants of the earth are judged before the Creator of the universe. It is an ancient Jewish custom to eat sweet foods – and dipping an apple in honey – as a sign for a good and sweet year (Noahides may follow this custom as well, however, it is not obligatory). How can we eat sweet foods and rejoice on this holiday when we know that all inhabitants of the world are judged on this day?

Rosh Hashanah literally means “Head of the Year,” not “New Year”. Just as the head and brain control and direct every organ in the body, so our consciousness, prayers, determination and actions on this day exert a decisive influence on all the days of the coming year. The routine days of the year and the troubles sometimes make us forget the main point for which we came into the world. Our focus on Rosh Hashanah should be primarily a firm decision to serve G-d more deeply and with joy in the coming year.

The crowning of the king is the main point of Rosh Hashanah. Therefore, as in the crowning of a flesh-and-blood king, joy is also expressed in all ways, including eating sweet things. These symbolic foods express our prayer and hope that G-d will grant us a good and sweet year. When we focus on the positive, in the crowning of the king, taking upon ourselves good resolutions for the coming year, all this has a decisive influence on the verdict. It strengthens the hope that our judgment will be in mercy. We trust Hashem that He will give us a great abundance for the new year so that we can fulfill our role in the world.

The Tanya, (Igeret HaKodesh, chapter 14) explains that on Rosh Hashanah, the entire world undergoes a profound renewal. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Divine energy and vitality that support creation retreat to their source. The continued existence of the universe depends on G-d’s renewed will to preserve the existence of the world at every moment. This Divine will is reawakened when we accept His kingship on Rosh Hashanah. Recognizing G-d’s Kingship is an expression of the first of the Seven Noahide Laws—the prohibition of idolatry and the belief in the Creator’s absolute Oneness.

Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holy day, nonetheless, it has significance for every human being. Rosh Hashanah in this sense makes us see our true, positive, exalted role: to crown G-d as King. Rosh Hashanah is a time of sincere prayer during which we ask G-d Almighty to grant all His creatures a year of peace, prosperity, health, and blessing. But alongside awe and respect, it is a day of great joy in which we celebrate our faith in the Creator and the privilege of serving Him. For Noahides, Rosh Hashanah provides the ultimate opportunity to make new resolutions, deepen commitment to the Seven Noahide Commandments, and enthrone G-d in every aspect of daily life.



Por el rabino Moshe Bernstein

Fuentes:

Leviticus 23:24. Mishnah, Tractate Rosh Hashanah 1:2. Tanya, Igeret Hakodesh, Chapter 14. Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Horiyot 12a. Nehemiah 8:10. Babylonian Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 16a–16b. Keritot 6a.



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