Rosh HaShanah 5779

Rosh HaShanah 5779

What makes the Shofar such a powerful force? Why is it an agent for change? Can't I make up a list of New Year's resolutions without the aid of a ram's horn?

The answer is, of course you can. 

Repentance with a full heart and a clear conscience always tears open the gates of heaven and forgiveness. But, you'd be silly to try.
God grants us a secret weapon in this monumental task of recreating ourselves. It makes it easier. He offers us the tool of memory.
 
Remembering that we are not alone in our struggles, that while I deal with my issues and challenges here, in this time and space, I am part of a long history of warriors who have done so for so long, and so well. It's in my blood to fight for a better day and a brighter tomorrow.

I am a WARRIOR. I was born to a long line of fighters.

Fighters, who were willing to give up everything for what they knew in their heart of hearts to be right. Thinkers, who when confronted with the truth of God and a moral compass were capable of standing alone in the world for that belief. Survivors, who knew that if your WHY is powerful enough, you could, and they would, survive any WHAT.

So when the battle cry is blown on Rosh HaShanah, hold your head high, take a deep breath, remember that you are a living, breathing part of a people who have always struggled for truth, fought for kindness and emerged, bloodied, embattled, yet proud of what they stand for and live by.

You are a WARRIOR.

The only question that fills the pregnant silence that follows the Shofar blast is: WHAT DO I WANT TO FIGHT FOR?

Shana Tova,
Rabbi Shlomo Farhi