Bakersfield.com

This Wednesday at sunset, Jews around the world will gather together in synagogue, at home, and even in the battlefield to celebrate Rosh HaShana (the Jewish New Year).  Besides the turning the Jewish calendar to the year 5768 since Creation, the 1^st of Tishrei (the first day of the seventh month) is also the Birthday of the World! 

According to the Jewish tradition, Rosh HaShana is the anniversary of the sixth day of Creation, when God completed the world.  On this day the world was transformed becoming something new that had never existed before.  In America we place an emphasis on a number of transformative birthdays 16, 18, 21, 30, 40 and so on.  So too Rosh HaShana is a transformative day offered to everyone each and every year.

On this day, also known as the Day of Judgment, we are honest with God and ourselves as to the kind of person we have been in the past year.  Whether good or bad, challenging or lacking drive, the goal is to be truly honest, to understand the totality of whom you are and who you wish to be for the coming year. 

Therefore unlike our secular New Year which is mostly a day of celebration.  Rosh HaShana is a day of meditation, prayer and reflection.  Even the rituals, like sounding the Shofar (the ram’s horn) are meant to enhance the growth and appreciation of the gift of life we all share.

In the machzor (High Holy Day prayer book) we find the prayer HaYom Harat Olam ~ Today the World is born, following one of the soundings of the Shofar (ram’s horn).

“This day the world was born. Today all the creatures of the universe stand in judgment (before God), some as children and some as servants.  If as children, show us mercy as a parent shows to children.  If as servants, grant us freedom.  We call upon you to be gracious with us when You declare judgment, awesome and holy God.”

We are asking God’s mercy and understanding to help us become people worthy of the world around us.  To be better individuals who care for their follow human beings, who make repairing the world a priority, who work towards a world that can ensure freedom for us all.

It can be both a freeing and awe inspiring thing to look into the depths of your inner being.  May we all endeavor to be the best we can and work to making our world and our small piece of it here in Kern County worthy of all our potential.