Dateline Jerusalem – If I have said or done anything that has caused any of you distress or pain, or injured you in any way, whether by action or deed, or inaction, or in any way at all, forgive me. Although this request for forgiveness sent to friends, family, and readers of my column is not expressed in a personal manner, please believe it is truly sincere. I am often unaware of my transgressions. Many times they are unintentional. Therefore, to reach all who may have been hurt by me, I send this out, en masse.
In 2½ weeks, the anniversary of the birth of mankind will be observed. The new year, according to the Hebrew calendar, will be 5774, counting from the day of the creation of man, Adam. This year is particularly significant because Rosh Hashana (literally “head of the year”), the Jewish New Year, is immediately followed by Shabbat, the day of rest. Hashem (G-d) created man, and the next day He rested. We are judged by G-d. Therefore, it is a time of reflection and repentance when we ask for forgiveness for our transgressions related to G-d.
It is also a time of year when we ask forgiveness from our friends and enemies for any intentional and unintentional transgressions that we may have committed against our fellow man. Our requests must be sincere. Just saying “I am sorry,” those are wasted words if one does not mean them. Therefore, we must show true regret for our actions, words and deeds. We hope that our sincere apologies will be accepted on the first attempt. Otherwise, we must ask again, up to three times. Only if after showing true regret we are still not forgiven, then we no longer are held accountable for the transgression. Then the transgression will transfer from us to the person who holds a grudge and refuses to accept our apology.
Rosh Hashana is observed rather than celebrated. The holiday begins at sundown and lasts for two days. We observe Rosh Hashana by reflecting and repenting, by sitting in prayer in synagogues all day. It is a solemn time. There are no New Year parties, no bubbling champagne, drunk drivers, no headliner entertainment, no watching a glittering ball drop from high at midnight from New York’s Times Square, no noisemakers or fireworks or shots in the air. The only noise is the beautiful sound of the shofar, a ram's horn. Every time I hear the shofar, I get tears of joy. For me it is an emotional experience to be here in Israel, imagining the blowing of the shofar as in ancient times, to be at home in the land of my ancestors. In Israel, from the beginning of the month of Elul until the month of Tishri when we usher in the new year, every morning (except Shabbat) we can listen to the blowing of the shofar. It is like a trumpet, our wake-up call to return to G-d.
L'shana tovah tikatevu. That means, “May you be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for a good year.” Sometimes it is shortened to “L'shana tovah” and followed by “You should have a good and sweet new year.” In Israel it is customary to bless family, friends, acquaintances, even strangers on the street with L'shana tovah. Therefore, may 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. Remember, a bad decree is removed by repentance, prayer and charity.
L'hitraot. Shachar