This coming year we are privileged to a triple-header. Two days of Rosh Hashanah, followed immediately by Shabbat. In Judaism, the number three represents a “chazaka.” This means that only when something is done three times, does it have the element of surety, permanence -- one can trust its stability.
Thus, when we have three days in a row of holiness – not an average occurrence – it demonstrates an added infusion of holiness.
Talk about starting the year on the right foot!
So, how do we take advantage of this extra Divine blessing?
By, starting the year on the right foot!
If we show Almighty G-d that we appreciate His blessings, His way of life, we can hope and pray that those blessing will continue.
For Rosh Hashanah this means not only filling our stomachs with delicious but fattening foods that our Bubbies made. And, it’s not merely by the symbolism of round Challahs and apple dipped in honey. Those are all great, to be sure.
But, the way to connect with Hashem’s blessings is to do what is important to Hashem, not what’s nostalgic for me.
There’s only one mitzvah that Hashem asks of us on Rosh Hashanah. That’s right, only one. The rest is all commentary.
That mitzvah is the sounding of the Shofar.
So, tomorrow, make sure – at all costs – that you hear the sounding of the Shofar.
This year, it’s not only crowning G-d as king or awakening ourselves to return to our roots. It’s heralding a year of holiness.
If you do anything to mark this Jewish New Year, please make sure at the minimum that you hear the Shofar. Here at Chabad Jewish Center, the sounding of the Shofar will be at approximately 11:30am on Thursday, September 21. If you cannot join us then, please come to Tashlich at the Boise River in Veteran’s Memorial Park at 5:00pm. We will have a “make-up” Shofar sounding for those that missed the main one.
Shanat Tova! Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!