1. Reflections on a Year of Torah and Tea
Over the past year, we have gathered consistently for Torah and Tea on Tuesday nights, sharing words of Torah and inspiration on the weekly parsha—Torah portion—and at times discussing current events. As we conclude this cycle, I want to thank Hashem—God—for granting us the opportunity to come together in learning. Taking time out of our busy lives to study Torah is something that Hashem deeply appreciates, and I pray that we will be granted the strength, energy, wisdom, and kokos—abilities—to continue these classes in the coming year. Although we missed a few weeks here and there, our commitment remained strong throughout 5786. With gratitude for what we have accomplished, I look forward to continued success and growth in our learning community as we approach the new year.2. The Unique Rosh Hashanah of This Year
As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, which this year falls on Shabbat, there are unique aspects to consider. On such years, we do not blow the shofar—ram’s horn—on the first day due to Shabbat restrictions; instead, it is blown on the second day. In previous classes, we discussed that even though it may feel like a loss not to hear the shofar, in truth nothing is missing. When we refrain from blowing the shofar because of Shabbat, it is as if Hashem Himself performs this mitzvah for us in a more profound way. A year that begins with Shabbat is considered especially significant. It sets a tone of holiness and tranquility for all that follows—a year imbued with the spirit of Shabbat.3. The Haftorah of Chana: Lessons in Prayer
On Rosh Hashanah, we read the Haftorah about Chana, who came to the Beis Hamikdash—Holy Temple—in Shiloh during the time of Eli HaKohen to pray for a child. The verses describe her intense prayer: her lips moved but her voice was inaudible, yet her heart was fully engaged. From Chana’s prayer, we learn many laws about how to pray the Amida—the standing prayer—such as praying quietly but with expression and deep intention (kavona). It is noteworthy that these halachot are derived specifically from Chana’s prayer rather than from earlier examples in Tanakh where our forefathers also prayed for children. This suggests something unique about Chana’s approach to prayer.4. Rebbetzin Chana and Her Connection to Rosh Hashanah
There is a personal connection between Chana of the Haftorah and Rebbetzin Chana, mother of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Rebbetzin Chana passed away shortly after Rosh Hashanah during Shabbos Teshuvah—the Sabbath between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I recall attending a farbrengen—a Hasidic gathering—as a child when this event was commemorated by the Rebbe with great emotion and honor for his mother. The Rebbe exemplified not only greatness in Torah learning and good deeds but also extraordinary respect for his parents. He often spoke about his mother’s name being Chana and drew connections between her life and the story of Chana from Tanakh—especially around Rosh Hashanah. Both women prayed fervently for children: Chana received Shmuel HaNavi—the prophet Samuel—and Rebbetzin Chana merited having a son like the Rebbe himself.5. The Distinction Between Blessing and Prayer
The Rebbe explains an important distinction between giving a blessing (bracha) and offering a prayer (tefillah). A blessing draws down what already exists in potential into reality—it does not fundamentally change what has been decreed or destined. For example, when Yaakov blessed Ephraim and Menasheh before his death, he placed his right hand on Ephraim (the younger) instead of Menasheh (the older), explaining that Ephraim would surpass his brother. But Yaakov did not attempt to change their destinies through blessing alone. Prayer, however, has transformative power—it can overturn decrees or alter what seems set by nature or fate. If someone is ill or unable to have children according to natural order or decree, heartfelt prayer can bring about miraculous change by creating new possibilities through arousing divine compassion.6. What Made Chana’s Prayer Unique?
Chana’s prayer was exceptional not only because she changed her own destiny—being barren—through intense supplication but also because she asked for more than just any child: she requested a child who would be righteous (tzaddik) and wholly dedicated to Hashem. She promised that her son would serve in the Temple all his life—a level beyond what is usually determined before birth. Normally certain qualities—like intelligence or wealth—are decided before birth according to tradition, but whether someone will be God-fearing is left up to individual choice. Yet Chana’s request went beyond nature and even beyond established spiritual rules—and it was granted because of her extraordinary kavona, self-sacrifice, and faith. This intensity teaches us that true prayer involves total devotion—giving everything over to Hashem, trusting fully that He will respond even when circumstances seem impossible.7. The Connection Between Chana’s Prayer and Rosh Hashanah
The reason we read about Chana on Rosh Hashanah is deeply symbolic: just as she created something new through her prayer—changing both nature and spiritual law—we too approach Hashem on Rosh Hashanah asking Him to become our King anew each year. Even though it may seem presumptuous or unlikely that God would “bother” with us individually or collectively as His subjects, our sincere acceptance (Kabbalat Ol Malchut Shamayim) creates this new relationship each year. When we blow the shofar with simple sincerity and subjugate ourselves before God with true intention (kavona), we arouse divine will beyond measure—even changing decrees or destinies for ourselves or others.8. Final Blessings for the New Year
As we enter this new year together—no matter what may have been destined—we trust that heartfelt prayer can transform everything for good. May Hashem listen to all our prayers—both physical needs and spiritual aspirations—and grant us blessings beyond expectation. Most importantly, may we merit the ultimate blessing: the coming of Mashiach who will redeem us from exile and lead us together into Eretz Yisroel speedily in our days—this very year!