[img]96|left|||no_popup[/img] Dateline Jerusalem — Dateline Jerusalem — There is a calendar that counts its days from the birth of mankind, from the creation of Adam and Eve.
Most of the world, however, does not follow this calendar. The majority of people observe the Gregorian calendar where we are now in September, the year is 2011, and the new year began on Jan. 1 at midnight.
But here in Israel, and for Jews throughout the world, the Hebrew calendar begins from the birth of man, meaning we are in the month of Elul, the year is 5771, and the new year of 5772 will begin at sundown the day before the first of Tishrei (sundown on Sept. 28). On Sept. 28 at sundown, for two days Jews throughout the world will observe Rosh Hashanah (literally “the head of the year”), the Jewish new year. It is not a time for noisemakers, champagne and partying. Instead, it is spent in synagogue, praying to Hashem (G-d).
From the beginning of the month of Elul that started two days ago, it is customary to bless family, friends, and acquaintances with the following greeting, “L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem.” That means “May you be inscribed and sealed (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”. Every day during Elul, the shofar (ram's horn) is blown like a trumpet to be a wakeup call to return to G-d.
This is a time of reflection and repentance, when we are judged by Hashem (G-d). It is a time for asking sincere forgiveness from our friends and foes for any intentional and non-intentional transgressions we may have committed against our fellow man. It also is a time of repentance when we ask for forgiveness from Hashem for our transgressions related to Him.
According to Jewish law, one must be sincere about repentance. If one asks for forgiveness and the apology is not accepted, then one must make two more serious attempts at asking for forgiveness. If one is still not forgiven after three tries and after showing true regret, then the person who repents no longer is held accountable for the transgression. It has been said that a person who does not accept a sincere apology is a person who holds a grudge. The transgression is then transferred from the person who repents to the person who holds the grudge.
Therefore, if I have said anything or done anything that has caused any of you distress or pain, or injured you in any way, whether by word or action or deed, or in any way at all, I apologize to you. Please forgive me.
May you all be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good and favorable year. Wishing you and your families a healthy, happy, safe, good and sweet new year.
L'hitraot. Shachar.