As we enter the new year, here in Israel, you feel it more than any other place in the world! The smells and sights of change autumn, the shops offer special presents for our beloved ones and there are signs in every corner of the streets whishing us all A Shana Tova!
On Rosh Hashana, we have a Mitzva to hear the sound of the Shofar. This Mitzva is a bit strange. Usually the Mitzvot are actions, things that we are supposed to do. One would assume that the Mitzva would be to blow, not to hear. The Mitzvah is the result of the action, and not the action itself.
Rav Kook says, that part of doing Tshuva in the beginning of the year, is the ability to move aside all the voices and sounds that bother us from listening to the voice from within, to what’s really important. On Rosh Hashana, the Mitzva is to listen, not to be heard. We need to put aside all the information, the daily errands that always take our attention, and we are to listen to our inner voice, to what really counts and matters.
I believe that many of you made Aliya while listening to your inner voice, despite all the challenges. You chose to come here and it’s not a given. Kol Hakavod!
I wish you all Shana Tova Umetuka! A year of great beginnings, of clarity of success, health and joy!
Shana Tova,
Moriah Ben David
Israel Office Director- ZFA
