What Are We Celebrating on Rosh Hashanah?
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holidays (Sept. 16-17). It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, and a day of judgment and coronation of G‑d as king. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the universe undergoes a kind of reset, where the energy of life is reduced to a minimal state. Mankind and all creatures in the world are judged by Heaven on this day. This is why we don't celebrate this holiday with extroverted parties. When there is judgment, it's a time of fear. On the other hand, there is a joyous aspect to this holiday, as this is a time of accepting the kingship of Hashem.
Rosh Hashanah is a profound and significant moment in which the universe and time itself are renewed. It's a time for introspection and the coronation of the king of kings. It encourages individuals to let go of their ego and open up to the coronation associated with this holiday.
This day marks the beginning of the High Holy Days. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and self-renewal. It's a time when a new cycle of creation and renewal begins. On this holiday, the entire year's abundance is given to the whole creation and each creature as well.
A key subject associated with Rosh Hashanah is to "make yourself small." This means humbling oneself and recognizing that there is something greater and more significant than one's own ego or desires. By doing so, one can open up to the unlimited and connect with G-d. The Zohar says: Make yourself big, and you can’t contain anything; make yourself small, and you can contain the unlimited.
For every Noahide, man, and woman, this day has a huge significance. Therefore, making proactive decisions regarding adding to the observance of the 7 commandments could benefit the entire year.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is a writer and a Community Rabbi in Netanya, Israel. He believes in making connections between the Jewish People and the Noahides worldwide in order to share and enhance the knowledge of the Torah's Universal Code for Humanity and fulfill Isaiah's Prophecy 11:9 " And the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the oceans". Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the book Light Onto the Nations: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws.
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