Shabbat Nugget: Rosh Hashanah

We are now just days away from Rosh Hashonah, the Jewish new year of 5777. Jewish tradition teaches us that this is the time of the year for change, both on a religious level and in our interpersonal relationships.  Traditionally, Jews accept upon themselves in this season, to up their ante in the observance of the Torah.  Even if we make small improvements, they are very significant to Hashem.  On the interpersonal level, it is a time to reflect on how we could break through the barriers that we have in our psyches that at times prevent us from having good relationships with others.

Chassidic philosophy teaches that at this time of the year, we are endowed with great potential to reach new heights. Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Chabad teaches that every year when the Shofar is blowing on Rosh Hashonah, a new divine energy enters the world.  Also, in this season, the deepest parts of our soul which are usually dormant, become revealed in our personality.

The story is told of Sir Edmund Hillary who was the first man to climb Mt. Everest, that in 1952 he attempted to climb Mount Everest but failed. A little while later, he was honored for his brave attempt.  After he gave his speech, he walked over to the big portrait of Mount Everest that was in the room and he proclaimed: “Mount Everest, you beat me, but, I promise you that I will yet beat you since, although you are very tall, you have already stopped growing, but, I am still in the midst of growing.”

May we all be inscribed this Rosh Hashanah for a year of an abundance of blessings and the Ultimate Redemption!