Rabbi Blog

Dear QJC Family,

As we enter Rosh Hashana in just a number of hours, I would like to share a thought and a bracha for us all.

We often associate Rosh Hashana with the shofar. However, it is interesting to note that the reason for blowing the shofar is not mentioned explicitly in the Torah. Rambam writes in Hilchot Teshuva (3:4) that although there is no apparent reason in the Torah for blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashana, we can find a hint in the symbolism of the shofar. It serves as an alarm clock, so to speak, to wake up and remember Hashem, to perform introspection, and to engage in teshuva. This is why we blow the shofar throughout the month of Elul, and why we continue on Rosh Hashana.

As human beings, we often go about our daily lives and there will always be little things that frustrate us and get in our way. Trains are delayed, somebody slights us, an appliance in our home isn’t working properly. We have to deal with things in life that are justifiably irritating.

The shofar is a reminder to focus on what is essential: to be connected with HaKadosh Baruch Hu; to remove ourselves from the mundane actions from every day; and to engage with the mitzvot.

During the Yamim Nora’im, we have the opportunity to take a step back and remember what our most essential needs are. In Avinu Malkeinu, we ask:

   Our Father, Our King, inscribe us in the Book of the Good Life.
   Our Father, Our King, inscribe us in the Book of Redemption and Deliverance.
   Our Father, Our King, inscribe us in the Book of Prosperity and Sustenance.
   Our Father, Our King, inscribe us in the Book of Merits.
   Our Father, Our King, inscribe us in the Book of Pardon and Forgiveness.

Wherever you may be during the Yamim Noraim season, Eliana and I would like to wish the entire QJC family a year of good health, parnassah, and joy. Our thoughts are with you and your families. We wish everyone a year of strength and the blessings of life – for our community and for the entire Jewish people.

Ketivah va-chatimah tova,

Rabbi Judah and Eliana Kerbel