New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Observing Jewish new year is universal
The Jewish New Year is a time of celebration and a time of sober reflection. Unlike the secular new year when the New Year’s Eve party is the focus, Rosh Hashanah ushers in a 10-day period of repentance culminating in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Observance of the holy days requires looking back at the past year’s behaviors, admitting sins, having remorse and accepting to do better next year. These are days of judgment.
I believe that this aspect of the Jewish new year is wellknown. What is less wellknown is that according to Jewish tradition, not only the Jewish people collectively and individually are judged, but the whole world is judged. In this respect, Judaism has a universal perspective. In the traditional liturgy, we note that all people are judged on Rosh Hashanah.
In one of the most solemn prayers, we declare, “All mankind will pass before You like members of Your flock.” God is our Shepherd and God cares for each one of us. God considers the soul of all the living and grants the needs of all God’s creatures.
More globally, we recite the hopefulness that righteousness will prevail as, “Iniquity will close its mouth and all wickedness will evaporate like smoke, when You will cause the tyranny of evil to pass from all lands.”
Further, we recite, “Regarding countries, it is said on this day which is destined for the sword and which for peace, which for hunger and which for abundance.” God remembers all nations of the world on Rosh Hashanah.
As I ponder my own fate during the High Holy Days, I also take the opportunity to reflect on my place in the broader society. I consider areas of the world that face famine and strife, where terror is wielded against the innocent, and where plague and tragic natural disasters wreak havoc. I hope my prayers help, and I remain vigilant for ways I can influence leaders to use their power to better the situations.
I invite all who read this, no matter their faith, to join the Jewish people in reflecting on what it might mean for the world to be judged during this time.