"Our Sages teach us that the reason
Man was created single was to
demonstrate how one person equals
a whole world.
This means that each Jew,
regaidless of time and place
and personal status, has the
fullest capacity to rise and
attain the highest degree offulfill-
ment for himself; and to bring the rest
of the world to its fulfillment as well,.
indeed it is his duty to do so."
Birthday of the World
Rosh Hashana is the day on which
G-d completed the creation_of this
world, by creating Adam, the orig-
inal man. Adam's very first act was
to proclaim the Al-mighty as King
The Lubavitcher Rebbe,
Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
of the Universe. He called upon all
creatures: "Come, let us worship,
bow down, and kneel before C-d,
our maker". Each Rosh Hashana,
we too proclaim the Kingship of
G-d, and reaffirm our commitment
to serve Him well. Just as on the
original Rosh Hashana, G-d created
the world for the first time, so each
Rosh Hashana He reconsiders and
re-evaluates the quality of our re-
lationship with Him, and creates
our world anew.
The Shofar
On the second day of Rosh
Hashana, Sunday, Oct. 1, we hear
during the daytime the sounding of
at least the first thirty of the pre-
scribed blasts of the shofar, the
ram's horn. The shofar, the oldest
and most soulful of wind instru-
ments, has many meanings. Among
them:
Rosh Hashanah:
The time of the year when we
are reminded how one person
can improve the whole world.
*It proclaims the coronation of G-d
as King of the Universe.
*It 'awakens' us to repent and return
to G-d.
*It reminds us of the shofar heard
at Mount Sinai, when we accepted
G-d's commandments for all time.
*It represents the simple, primal
outcry from the depth of the soul.
*It presages the call of the "Great
Shofar" which G-d will sound with
the coming of Moshiach, who will
lead us out of exile and into our
Holy Land—speedily, in our days.
On Rosh Hashanah, we celebrate the creation of
Man, which took place five days after the Universe began.
Man was created different from all other species.
Only Man was created single: a unique individual who
can and must bring the rest of creation to its fulfillment.
This is the foundation of our faith: the belief that
each one of us has it in his or her power, regardless of
wealth or position, to turn the world into a better place,
a force for good rather than evil.
Tashlich
On the second day of Rosh
Hashana, Sunday, Oct. 1, following
the afternoon prayer, we visit a
body of water or pond containing
live fish and recite the Tashlich
prayers, in which we 'cast away'
our sins. As fish depend upon water,
so do we depend upon G-d's provi-
dence. Also, a fish's eyes never
close, symbolizing G-d's unceasing
watchfulness over us.
Special Rosh Hashana Foods
It is customary on Rosh Hashana to
eat foods symbolizing sweetness,
blessings, and abundance. We dip
the challah in honey; and after-
wards, on the first night, Sept. 29,
we eat a piece of apple dipped in
honey. After the appropriate bles-
sing on the apple, we add: "May it
be Your will to renew for us a good
and sweet year". Other customs in-
clude eating the head of a fish,
pomegranates and carrots.
Each individual has the ability to produce this kind
of harmony, thus following the Will of the Creator.
Each year, when we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, we
are reminded of our ability. Each year Rosh Hashanah
gives us a resurgence of the strength needed to fulfill
these goals.
This is a time for rejuvenation and commitment. A
time to clarify our sense of purpose and fulfillment. Not
just now, but forever.
In wishing you a sweet and prosperous New Year, we invite you to call for your free Rosh Hashanah guide.
Chabad-Lubavitch
FESTIVAL BLESSINGS
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Bo•ruch A-toh Ado•noi
Ho-olom Asher Ki-de•sha•nu be•mitz-vo-sov
Le-had-lik Ner Shel
Shabbos V'shel Yom Ha-zi•ko-ron.
Bo-nich A-toh Ado-noi FA-hei-nu Me-lech
Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov
Vi-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom Ha-zi-ko-ron.
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Bo-ruch A-to Ado-noi E-l-hei!nu Me-lech
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Ve-he-ge-o-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh.
Time
Date
Activity
Sept. 29 Light candles*; blessings 1 & 3 . . .. at 7:01 p.m.
Eat special Rosh Hashanah foods
Sept. 30 Light candles* *; blessings 2 & 3 . after 8:01 p.m.
Oct. 1 Sound of Shofar
Tashlich prayers
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