The Rebbe on Rosh Hashanah

Join us as we spend the "head" and nerve center of the Jewish year with the Rebbe

The Talmud teaches that on Rosh Hashanah G-d asks His people to sound the shofar in order to make Him their King, and to “remind” Him of their meritorious past.

In case it has been decreed upon a person to turn to others for help this coming year, it should already be fulfilled now, by receiving this sweet cake.

On Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded of the Jewish mother’s dedication and self-sacrifice in fostering our nation’s deep commitment to G‑d.

A Jew’s purpose is to illuminate all the world around him. To “illuminate” does not mean to change the order of creation; rather, light enables one to discern the true nature and purpose of what already is there.

Once, after Rosh Hashanah prayers, the Alter Rebbe asked his son, the Mitteler Rebbe, “With what meditation did you pray this Rosh Hoshanah?” He replied, “With the verse, ‘All mankind shall prostrate themselves before You’.” Then the Mitteler Rebbe asked his father, “With what meditation did you pray?” The Alter Rebbe responded, “I prayed with my lectern.”

But why does G-d need our efforts? Can He not accomplish His goals without us? A pre-Rosh Hashanah message.

In a Jewish household, the wife and mother is called the mainstay of the home. But when it comes to the month of Elul, every Jew should strive to fulfill this role.

“The New Year is time to elicit new blessings, with new resolutions and new beginnings.” (Collage)

Every single Jew has the ability to crown the Almighty as King on Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. With the Shofar, we elevate a physical and otherwise mundane object to the lofty level of coronating the Creator.