Rosh Hashanna

Rosh Hashanna is also called Karanatzia Nacht, Coronation Night, for it is the time when Israel paces the crown on the Great Master's Head. In order to accomplish this awesome task we must first wash ourselves in the deep, cleansing spiritual waters of eternity. Only one prayer fully names the path that must be meticulously followed. Called Unetaneh Tokef, this is the prayer, the way:

We shall ascribe holiness to this day.

For it is awesome and terrible.

Your kingship is exalted…,

He who inscribes and seals,

Remembering all that is forgotten

The great shofar is sounded,

A still small voice is heard.

The angels are dismayed,

They are seized by fear and trembling

As they proclaim: Behold the Day of Judgment!

...And all creatures shall parade before You…

As a shepherd herds his flock,

Causing his sheep to pass beneath his staff,

So do You count, and record,

Visiting the souls of all living,

Decreeing the length of their days,

Inscribing their judgment.

On Rosh Hashanah it is inscribed,

And on Yom Kippur it is sealed.

How many shall pass away and how many shall be born,

Who shall live and who shall die,

Who shall reach the end of his days and who shall not,

Who shall perish by water and who by fire,

Who by sword and who by wild beast,

Who by famine and who by thirst,

Who by earthquake and who by plague,

Who shall have rest and who shall wander,

Who shall be at peace and who shall be pursued,

Who shall be at rest and who shall be tormented,

Who shall be exalted and who shall be brought low,

Who shall become rich and who shall be impoverished.

But Teshuva (repentance), Tefilla (prayer) and Tzedaka (righteousness) can avert the decree.

Teshuva, Tefilla and Tzedaka

On the following pages you will find thoughts, ideas and gifts from many sources to help guide you through this awesome time. Often just after of before each thought comes a direction to bring further conversation and consideration.

Two thoughts before entering the timeless realm of the New Year:

1. "Today Rosh Hashanna too often takes the returning holidaymaker unawares. The idea of preparation during the month of Ellul needs to be recovered."
- Rabbi Lionel Blue

2. "All year long we turn to God, knowing we have done wrong, but on Rosh Hashonah we turn to God because we feel it," he said. "Did you ever feel what it means for a child to feel his father or mother doesn't love him, even for one second? On Rosh Hashonah we don't dare ask our children for forgiveness because we feel the depths of that wrong. We feel the depths of life."

A Spiritual Guide to Life

Now and again we need a Rav, a spiritual master. Often they are not avaialble when we need them most. From this page you will be able to access advice from ancient Sages, read insights from spiritual giants of our time. Follow the light: