There are many levels of understanding the significance of Rosh Hashana
also being Rosh Chodesh (New Moon Day). Every Rosh Chodesh inaugurates
an entirely new energy and a new opportunity to begin again. The ability
to renew and rejuvenate is one of the secrets of the Jewish calendar being
based on the lunar cycle. The capacity to begin again and again lies at
the very root of Jewish survival. Rosh Hashana, the new year, is the "headquarters"
for newness, thus it shares the same energy as Rosh Chodesh.
The shape of the moon on Rosh Chodesh and Rosh Hashana is but a thin cup like sliver seen for a short time in the western sky before going down at sunset. The judgement taking place on Rosh Hashana is similarly very hidden, yet a sliver of the light does reach us. We can envision the shape of the moon representing our heartfelt prayers to create a vessel to receive blessings. God wants to give us so much - the question is do we have vessels to receive it.
The Midrash states that when the moon was created it complained to God
that both it and the sun could not wear the same crown. Therefore God
made it smaller. A different Midrash states that every Rosh Chodesh, God
- as it were - brings a guilt offering for making the moon small. Rosh
Hashana comes on a Rosh Chodesh in order to teach us that since we should
not judge anyone till we stand in their place, God - so to speak - whispers
to us that he empathizes with our situation and thus understands our desire
for rectification and forgiveness, for He too brings a guilt offering
on this day! This parable represents the judgement on Rosh Hashana as
one of understanding and compassion. The shape of the moon on Rosh Chodesh and Rosh Hashana is but a thin cup like sliver seen for a short time in the western sky before going down at sunset. The judgement taking place on Rosh Hashana is similarly very hidden, yet a sliver of the light does reach us. We can envision the shape of the moon representing our heartfelt prayers to create a vessel to receive blessings. God wants to give us so much - the question is do we have vessels to receive it.
source
No comments:
Post a Comment