Category: holidays

As Rosh HaShannah approaches, when we begin to weigh our lives in the balance, during the month of Elul, determining for ourselves by way of “examining our conscience,” whether we have been living according to H’Shem’s standard, we will benefit from the endeavor when we do not cheat ourselves. For example, it may be too easy to weigh our good deeds against our faults, tipping the scale to the positive by ignoring some of the negative aspects of ourselves. Yet, on the other hand, if we focus too much upon the negative in regard to ourselves, we may risk bringing our emotional levels down too low. Rather, we should seek an honest account and balance the scale, with the help of H’Shem.

Ideally, we should focus on acknowledging our sins without hiding any iniquity from ourselves. “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid; I said: ‘I will make confession concerning my transgressions unto the L-RD, – and Thou, Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5, JPS). For, H’Shem will search our souls, as is written, “The spirit of man is the lamp of the L-RD, searching all the inward parts” (Proverbs 20:27, JPS).

We need to do a thorough cleansing before the Day of Judgment, when we pass before H’Shem, like sheep being counted by a shepherd, so that we will only be judged favorably by H’Shem, because we have judged ourselves first in a thorough manner. Our value-response to the moral code that H’Shem has given us, within the framework of the Commandments is integral in this endeavor. Unless we respond in a positive way to the moral law, these laws remain detached from our daily conduct. H’Shem requires a commitment on our part to respond to His call.

May we take an honest look at ourselves, not tipping the scale in either direction, for if we ignore our positive qualities, we may end up depressing ourselves, as mentioned elsewhere. Even so, this is more than an assessment of “strengths and weaknesses.” Rather, this should be a consolation to the soul, to be cleansed of guilt and sin, before standing in the presence of the King. For, if we confess our sins, H’Shem will faithful to us, and forgive our aveiros (sins). May our prayers ascend to G-d at the sound of the shofar, carried upon the merit of the Redeemer (see uva l’tziyon, Isaiah 59:20):

“And a redeemer will come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LRD.” – Isaiah 59:20, JPS 1917 Tanach

As Rosh HaShannah approaches, when we begin to weigh our lives in the balance, during the month of Elul, determining for ourselves by way of “examining our conscience,” whether we have been living according to H’Shem’s standard, we will benefit from the endeavor when we do not cheat ourselves. For example, it may be too easy to weigh our good deeds against our faults, tipping the scale to the positive by ignoring some of the negative aspects of ourselves. Yet, on the other hand, if we focus too much upon the negative in regard to ourselves, we may risk bringing our emotional levels down too low. Rather, we should seek an honest account and balance the scale, with the help of H’Shem.

Ideally, we should focus on acknowledging our sins without hiding any iniquity from ourselves. “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid; I said: ‘I will make confession concerning my transgressions unto the L-RD, – and Thou, Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5, JPS). For, H’Shem will search our souls, as is written, “The spirit of man is the lamp of the L-RD, searching all the inward parts” (Proverbs 20:27, JPS).

We need to do a thorough cleansing before the Day of Judgment, when we pass before H’Shem, like sheep being counted by a shepherd, so that we will only be judged favorably by H’Shem, because we have judged ourselves first in a thorough manner. Our value-response to the moral code that H’Shem has given us, within the framework of the Commandments is integral in this endeavor. Unless we respond in a positive way to the moral law, these laws remain detached from our daily conduct. H’Shem requires a commitment on our part to respond to His call.

May we take an honest look at ourselves, not tipping the scale in either direction, for if we ignore our positive qualities, we may end up depressing ourselves, as mentioned elsewhere. Even so, this is more than an assessment of “strengths and weaknesses.” Rather, this should be a consolation to the soul, to be cleansed of guilt and sin, before standing in the presence of the King. For, if we confess our sins, H’Shem will faithful to us, and forgive our aveiros (sins). May our prayers ascend to G-d at the sound of the shofar, carried upon the merit of the Redeemer (see uva l’tziyon, Isaiah 59:20):

“And a redeemer will come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LRD.” – Isaiah 59:20, JPS 1917 Tanach