Rosh Hashana

Sunset tonite marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. The Hebrew is literally translated as head of the year. It is 1 of the major Jewish feasts prescribed in Leviticus.

"Tell the Israelites: On the first day of the seventh month you shall keep a sabbath rest, with a sacred assembly and with the trumpet blasts as a reminder; you shall then do no sort of work, and you shall offer an oblation to the LORD." Lev 23:24-25

Rather than try & explain it I will simply share a thought shared by the Rabbi at Beth El Jacob Synagogue in Des Moines, IA, Rabbi Aaron Schwarzbaum:

"Folks often worry about what people think of them so they go out of their way to put on a good facade to ensure that they will be liked. We're often afraid to reveal our true feelings and our true personality because of a fear of rejection. Sometimes people would rather lie than risk pain.

The truth is that too often we enter into relationships that are superficial and trite. However, if true friendship and long lasting relationships are our goal, then honesty is a must. We must be willing to let our hair down (if you are fortunate to have some) and be truthful and straight forward in order to allow ourselves a chance at reaching that ever fulfilling experience known as "true friendship".

The same is true for successful marriage, emotionally healthy children, a prosperous business or any situation we in which we hope to succeed.

So, now let's consider our relationship with God.

As we approach the Day of Judgement, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we must take time to inspect our attitude towards life. We need to see if our external behavior truly represents our true selves. It is essential for us to come before God with our best foot forward and to focus on all the blessings we have revived during the past year. We can never take for granted all that is done for us on a daily basis by God"

As a Catholic I know that the roots of my faith are in the Jewish Faith. The Jewish people have been horribly persecuted over the years. & there are many out there in Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran etc that would gladly wipe them off the face of the Earth. In doing so they want to attack, as Casper ten Boom was quoted in The Hiding Place to have said, "the apple of God's eye." Let us pray for God to bless & protect the Jewish people as they begin their New Year. May the Lord thwart the plans of those who would harm them. May He give the Israeli leaders the wisdom they need to guide Israel & do what is right & just as the Torah teaches.

"Pray for the peace (Shalom) of Israel." Psalm 122:6

Beth El Jacob Synagaogue:

http://www.betheljacob.org/