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Rosh Hashannah Dvar Torah
BY CAPTAIN (RABBI DR) NOTEH GLOGAUER, RCAF—12WING, SHEARWATER, NS
There are many names by which Rosh Hashanah, the New Year, is called. Literally, Rosh Hashanah means “Head of the Year”. Not everyone is aware that Rosh Hashanah is considered the birthday of the world, as it says in the prayers we recite on this day. However, while many might assume that Rosh Hashanah is the commemoration of the first day of Creation, that is not the case at all. Our sages teach, that the 25th of Elul is the first day of creation. Therefore what, or more accurately, whose creation are we commemorating on Rosh Hashanah? This auspicious day is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Chava (Adam and Eve). As we may be aware, a birthday is considered a day when we reflect upon our past year and look towards what we hope, dream and expect of ourselves in the year to come.
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As the eve of Rosh Hashanah is ushered in by the women, one aspect of Rosh Hashanah is represented in the special brocha (blessing) which they recite over the lighting of the Rosh Hashanah candles, a brocha only recited at this Yom Tov. This blessing signifies another of the notable themes as every Jewish woman recites as follows: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to light the candle of the Day of Remembrance.
Rosh Hashanah is the Day of Remembering because it signifies the time when Hashem reviews our personal ledgers and recalls the purpose for our creation. We are all aware that Hashem really has no need to have a calendar with significant dates set up as reminders to evoke noteworthy events in history. In reality, this day was established for us to approach our Maker and ask God “Please, remember me and through doing that, remind me of my mission on Earth so that I may never forget it”.
On the birthday of the world, may I, as well as my beloved family personally wish all of us—that we will be blessed with the strength and vitality to carry out our mission to our fullest capabilities.
K’siva V’Chasima Tova—L’Shana Tova U’Mesuka. May you be written and sealed for a good and sweet new year.—Rabbi Noteh, Chaya-Nesya Glogauer and Family.
