Rosh Hashana Messages

  • Apple & Honey!

    There is known custom to dip a sweet apple into honey during the first night meal of Rosh Hashana. A blessing of Ha’aitz is made over the apple before it is eaten and then the following prayer is recited, “May it be Your will, Hashem, our G-d and the G-d of our forefathers, that You …

  • L’Shana Tova!

    The Torah doesn’t command us directly to sound the Shofar on Rosh Hashana, rather it states, “A day of Teruah blasts it shall be for you.” So how are we supposed to know how to proceed? Through the laws of Rosh Hashana one can gain an appreciation for the integration of our Written law with …

  • Small Nails!

    Last year we bought a large decorative mirror which came with the wires for it to be hung already attached in the back. All we had to do was hang the mirror to a hook on the wall. I went to the hardware department of one of the big outfits and began looking for hooks. …

  • Sounds & Silence!

    There are times when one receives news and he is unable to express himself through words. When he hears good news, he will break out in a smile or begin to laugh, and if he hears sad news he will respond with tears or with sobs. Then there are times when one is just speechless …

  • Sounds!

    We all know that the Shofar is the instrument we use to sound the blasts on Rosh Hashana. Although the naturally hollow horns of most animals are kosher, traditionally, the type of Shofar used is a ram’s horn. The reason the ram’s horn is the Shofar of choice is because it is a reminder to …

  • Let’s Talk About Love!

    I was studying the laws of the Kohanim when they ascend the Duchan to bless the congregation, when I saw a quote from the Zohar that struck me. Before proclaiming the fifteen words of blessings to the congregation, the Kohanim recite a blessing that ends with, “You commanded us to bless the congregation with love.” …

  • Rosh Hashana 5771 “Blowing Satan Away!”

    Rosh Hashana 5771 “Blowing Satan Away!” The Medrash relates a fascinating dialogue that takes place between the Almighty and His ministering angels: At times, the Almighty informs the angels to be ready to judge the people the next day, for it will be Rosh Hashana. However, the next day when the angels arrive at the …

  • Rosh Hashana 5772 “Internal Peace Plan”

    Rosh Hashana 5772 “Internal Peace Plan” The following thought occurred to me the other day. We pray, hope and yearn for peace; peace at home, peace amongst family and friends, peace in the community, peace in our country, peace to reign in the entire world and of course peace in the Land of Israel. Yes, …

  • Rosh Hashana 5773

    Rosh Hashana 5773 The Torah reading on the first day of Rosh Hashana focuses on the wondrous birth of our forefather Yitzchok. Yitzchok was born when his father Avraham was 100 years old and his mother Sarah was 90. Our Sages inform us that Yitzchok was conceived on Rosh Hashana. The Torah reading on the …

  • Rosh Hashana 5774: The King

    Rosh Hashana 5774: The King Every year, during one of our Rosh Hashana meals, I share with my family and guests the following insightful thought presented by Rabbi Gedalia Schorr o.b.m. Rabbi Schorr addresses a question that crosses the mind of many people. If one reviews practically all the prayers we recite on Rosh Hashana, …

  • Rosh Hashana 5775

    Rosh Hashana 5775 One day, a married student studying in a yeshiva in Jerusalem received a surprise visit from a well known therapist. He was even more surprised when the therapist told him he had come to thank him. The student said, “I think you have made a mistake. We have never met before.” “No,” …