Dateline Jerusalem — It is that time of year again as we approach the anniversary of the birth of mankind. The new year coming in a little over a week will be the year 5776, according to the Hebrew calendar, counting from the day of the creation of man, Adam. The world was created on the first day, man on the sixth day. Rosh Hashana, literally the “head of the year”, commemorates the occasion. It is a time when we are judged by G-d. It is decreed who is to live, who is to die, who will be rich, who will be poor, who will be at peace, who will be at war. Therefore it is a time of reflection and repentance when we ask for forgiveness for our transgressions related to G-d. It is a time when we ask forgiveness from both friends and enemies for any intentional or unintentional transgressions we may have committed against our fellow man.
If I have said or done anything that has caused any of you distress or pain, or injured you in any way, whether it be by action or deed, or inaction, or in any way at all, please forgive me. I am often unaware of my transgressions as many times they are unintentional. To reach all who may have been hurt by me, I send out this request for forgiveness en masse. Although sent to family, friends, and readers of my column and not expressed individually, please believe it is truly sincere. Our requests for forgiveness must be sincere. Just saying “I am sorry” is wasted if not really meaning them. After showing true regret for our actions, words and deeds, if we are still not forgiven, we must ask again up to three times. Only then will we no longer be held accountable for the transgression. The transgression will transfer from us to the person who holds the grudge and refuses to accept our sincere apology.
The holiday of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is observed, not celebrated. That means no parties, bubbling champagne, drunk drivers, headline entertainment, noisemakers or fireworks, or watching a glittering ball drop from high at midnight in Times Square. Instead it is spent in synagogue in prayer, reflecting and repenting, listening to the beautiful sound of the “shofar,” a ram’s horn with trumpet-like sounds that are a wakeup call for us to remember G-d. After two long days and evenings in synagogue, we get together with family and friends at festive meals with symbolic foods.
This year it is especially important that we repent for our transgressions and pray for a favorable decree with respect to war and peace, life and death, and that we give charity. For only prayer, repentance, and charity can remove a bad decree. Considering the volatile Middle East, and th Congress’s decision whether to accept the Iran Nuclear Agreement will be determined at this time, this Rosh Hashana is an ominous time.
Throughout Israel it is customary for strangers on the street to greet one another with “Chag sameach” (Happy holiday), “Shana tova” (Good year), and “You should have a good and sweet new year.” We will dip challah and apples in honey for a sweet year. My special blessing for all of you is that G-d inscribe you and your loved ones in the Book of Life for a long life and a year of health, happiness, prosperity, tranquility, peace, and safety. May you all have a good, sweet and favorable new year.
L’hitraot. Shachar