1. The Opportunity of Rosh Hashanah: New Beginnings
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we are reminded of the unique opportunity for new beginnings. Hashem, in His kindness, always allows us to start anew. Unlike a bank that may refuse to give you another loan after repeated failures to repay, Hashem continues to grant us life, health, and blessings – even when we fall short. Our “credit” with Hashem is paid back through our actions: tefillah—prayer, learning Torah, doing good deeds, helping others, and performing mitzvos—commandments. Even if we don’t fully repay our spiritual debts, Hashem gives us another chance each year. This is why we ask for forgiveness and renewal on Rosh Hashanah, hoping for blessings of happiness, health, and nachas—joy from our families. Especially in a year when the world feels unwell and in need of healing, every good deed we do contributes to the world’s recovery.
2. The Uniqueness of Rosh Hashanah on Shabbat
This year is special because the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat. This changes some of our usual practices: most notably, we do not blow the shofar—ram’s horn—on Shabbat. The Torah commands us to blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah: “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month,” we are told to sound it. This is a direct mitzvah from the Torah itself—a rare and weighty obligation compared to many customs instituted by the sages.
Yet when Rosh Hashanah coincides with Shabbat, we refrain from blowing the shofar on that first day and only do so on the second day. The real day of Rosh Hashanah is actually the first day, so it seems odd that we skip this central mitzvah then. Why don’t we blow? Is there a true violation involved? Blowing a shofar on Shabbat isn’t a clear Torah prohibition—it may be considered weekday activity or have other concerns but nothing explicit in Torah law forbids it.
3. The Reason for Not Blowing Shofar on Shabbat
The Talmud explains that the reason for not blowing shofar when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat is concern that someone might carry the shofar in a public domain to learn how to blow it properly—a violation of hotza’ah—carrying on Shabbat. While this seems like a minor risk compared to losing such an important mitzvah, this rabbinic safeguard was established nonetheless.
This leads us to wonder: how can such an essential mitzvah be set aside due to a relatively remote concern? Especially since blowing shofar is so powerful both spiritually and emotionally—it awakens deep parts of our soul and reaches high spiritual realms to bring forgiveness and blessings.
4. The Spiritual Power and Meaning of Shofar
The shofar holds profound significance in both revealed Torah and Kabbalah. It is likened to coronating a king—blowing trumpets before royalty—and serves as our declaration that Hashem is our King for the coming year. Maimonides (Rambam) writes that while blowing shofar is ultimately a decree from Hashem without an explicit reason (chok), there is also an allusion: it serves as a wake-up call for those spiritually asleep or distracted by materialism.
The shofar urges us: “Wake up! Remember your soul! Return to Hashem!” It inspires us toward teshuvah—repentance—and positive action.
5. Creation and Kingship: Why We Celebrate Rosh Hashanah When We Do
Rosh Hashanah marks not just any anniversary but specifically commemorates the creation of humanity—Adam HaRishon. Although creation began six days earlier (25th of Elul), we celebrate when man was created because only then could there be recognition of Hashem’s kingship in this world.
The prayer “Zeh hayom techilas ma’asecha—this day is the beginning of Your works”—speaks in plural because with man’s creation came purpose for all creation. Before humanity existed, there was no one to acknowledge or crown Hashem as King. Now each year at Rosh Hashanah, through prayer and especially through sounding the shofar, we accept Hashem’s sovereignty anew.
6. When Hashem Blows the Shofar: Chassidic Perspective
If blowing shofar is so central that it’s called “the mitzvah” of Rosh Hashanah in Chumash, how can it be omitted? Chassidus explains that when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat and Jews do not blow physically, Hashem Himself blows the shofar above.
This means that spiritually nothing is lacking: Hashem performs this act perfectly for us with infinite power and intention—a tekiah gedolah—a great blast beyond anything humanly possible. Thus even though we do not hear it physically with our ears on Shabbat-Rosh Hashanah, its effects are present in their fullest form.
7. Our Role: Why We Blow Shofar on Second Day
The two days of Rosh Hashanah are unique among Jewish holidays: even in Eretz Yisroel both days are observed as Yom Tov (unlike other festivals). Halachically they are considered like one long 48-hour day (yoma arichta). On the first day (Shabbat), Hashem blows above for us; but still we must blow ourselves on day two.
This teaches an important lesson: even if everything has been accomplished from above (as with righteous people who achieve much for others), Hashem still desires our personal participation and effort. Spiritual wholesomeness requires both divine bestowal and human initiative.
No matter how much blessing comes from above or how perfect things seem spiritually, each person must contribute their own action – symbolized by personally hearing or blowing shofar on the second day.
8. Practicalities During Pandemic Times & Final Blessings
This year presents additional challenges due to pandemic restrictions: many will not be able to attend synagogue as usual or will gather outdoors with social distancing precautions. Creative solutions have been suggested (such as standing 25 feet away from the blower or covering with a tallis, though not masking the shofar itself). Despite these obstacles, communities everywhere are determined not to miss out physically hearing shofar at least once during Yom Tov.
The sound of Hashem’s shofar at Sinai had no echo because it penetrated directly into every soul without bouncing off externally – may this year’s spiritual moments similarly penetrate deeply within us all.
Blessings are offered for healing throughout the world, health and happiness for all families, and a sweet new year filled with peace – noting even recent unexpected peace agreements as signs that what once seemed impossible can indeed come about through divine help.