From the Divre Torah of Rabbi Yaakob Savdie, Brooklyn NY:
It is days away... the day on which all walks of life pass in front of Hashem and are judged, the day on which the fate of the entire world is decided. It is the first of Asseret Yeme Teshouba (The Ten Days of Repentance). Jews across the world will begin to celebrate Rosh Hashana this Wed. evening bh. They will have festive meals with the special simanim & attend synagogue to pray fervently to be inscribed in the 'Book of Life'. (for more on the Rosh Hashana prayers please email me...)
There will be however one thing that is noticeably missing. If one examines the Rosh Hashana prayers they will not find any formal confession or mention of sin. If we don't repent for our sins, how can Rosh Hashana be considered a 'Day of Repentance'?
Many great Hachamim have grappled with this question. I believe there is an enlightening answer based on the words of the Rambam in Hilchot Teshuba. (btw if you've noticed that I quote the Rambam often, I guess you're on to me...I am a tremendous Rambam fan!) The Rambam writes that when one confesses: “Hayab Lehitvadot lifne Ha’eal Baruch Hu”- They must confess in front of G-d the blessed One (Chapter 1)"
The first step of repentance is to realize that we stand in front of G-d. These are actually the opening words of our parasha (Parashat Nisabim which is always read the Shabbat before Rosh Hashana): "You are standing this day all of you before the Hashem your G-d (Debarim 29)"
When one sins they distance themselves from G-d. They harm the relationship they have with G-d. To repent properly one must come closer or 'return' to G-d. The first step towards that is realizing that one stands before G-d. Rosh Hashanah is the ideal day to do that.
Rosh Hashanah is the Anniversary of Creation- “Hayom Harat Olam”. On Rosh Hashanah we reaffirm our belief that Hashem created the world. Throughout our prayers we accept Hashem as “Melech” our King. After one internalizes this concept they can achieve repentance. Teshouba is not a personal quest for change, it’s not a program to help one achieve their “New Year’s resolutions”, Teshouba is a process through which one learns of his place in this world & his connection to Hashem.
If we internalize this theme & stand properly before G-d, we can begin the process of mending our ways and restoring our relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
May we all merit to be inscribed in the Book of Life!
Yaakob Savdie
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