Rosh Hashana

With the onset of Rosh Hashana 5786 upon us, a short story comes to mind.  

 Approximately 250-300 years ago, in a small Eastern European shtetl, a man met the Baal Shem Tov - the saintly founder of the Chasidus movement - on Erev Rosh Hashana. He was taken aback at the Baal Shem Tov's expression. His face wore a broad smile, and he seemed very happy. It almost seemed as if it was Erev Purim instead of Erev Rosh Hashana! The man voiced his surprise. 

  "Rebbe," he said, "it's Erev Rosh Hashana; a time right before the entire world passes before Hashem like a flock of sheep before their shepherd to be judged. Isn't the Rebbe afraid? How can someone be so happy, just as you are?" 

  "You are correct," answered the Baal Shem Tov. "It is true that we are about to be judged. But besides for the awesomeness of the moment, there is another lesson to take out of the judgement. That this world has accountability. No deed goes unnoticed. Even if we don't understand Hashem's ways, we believe that everything has a cheshbon." 

           "That is what Rosh Hashana reminds me of," concluded the Baal Shem Tov. "And that is why I am so happy."  

   The moral of this story is a simple one. Rosh Hashana is not simply about ushering in a new year; it is about remembering what a new year means. The opportunity to begin anew, to examine ourselves and see how we can improve. To understand that every action that we do has a consequence, and that we have the ability to choose our direction. 

             Many people go a lifetime without considering what they are doing with their lives. We don't allow a year to go by without considering how we can improve.

             And so yes, Rosh Hashana is an awesome day. At the same time, it is also a joyous time. 

  May we all be blessed with a sweet new year, filled with mazel, bracha, and only good things!