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We are now arriving at the start of a brand new Jewish year. As 5783 draws to a close, and 5784 is suddenly upon us, we mark this transition with our annual new year celebration know as Rosh Hashanah, the Head of the Year.
This year, Rosh Hashanah coincides with Shabbat. In all honesty, Shabbat becomes almost forgotten, as the unique days of Rosh Hashanah take precedence in our consciousness. And yet, throughout the first day of Rosh Hashanah we do make many references in our prayers to the fact that we are observing Shabbat as well. For example, on Friday night during Kiddush, our prayer of sanctification over wine, we declare "Blessed are You God, King of the Universe, who sanctifies the Shabbat, Israel, and the Day of Remembrance."
The Day of Remembrance is another name for Rosh Hashanah, as we recall the origins of our World. After all, this holiday can be considered to be the birthday of the world.
At the same time, we also remember Shabbat. Rosh Hashanah is a wonderful time to recount and remember all of the great blessings in our lives. And, certainly, Shabbat is one of those blessings which we treasure with much gratitude and enthusiasm!
So, while we are enjoying our Rosh Hashanah holiday this weekend, let us recall the holiness of Shabbat as well. Let us take a moment to realize what a blessing it is that, not only do we have the great privilege of celebrating the awesome festival of Rosh Hashanah once every year, we also have the amazing opportunity of celebrating Shabbat once every week!
May this new year of 5784 be one that is filled with peace, hapiness, and health for everyone!
Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova!
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
cantorzkonigsberg@gmail.com
917-696-0749
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