752 —ראש השנה, מעלתו הרוחנית, והקשר לרבי

B"H

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It is well known, as explained in many places in Chassidus, the reason why it is called Rosh Hashanah (the head of the year) and not Techilat HaShanah (the beginning of the year)—because this day, in relation to the rest of the days of the year, is like a head in relation to the body and its limbs. Just as in the head, the vitality of all limbs is included within it—and afterwards, in a revealed way, from the head flows vitality to each individual limb—so too on Rosh Hashanah: it contains within itself the vitality for all days of the year; all are included within it in a concealed state and then later divided openly into individual days.

One can say that this is one reason for the warning we were given to especially value time during Rosh Hashanah: because these hours and moments are general ones, loftier than those of other days—not only quantitatively but also qualitatively, similar to how brain matter in the head differs from that of other body parts. And just as with a head and body—when is a person healthy? When the vitality in his head is complete and also flows from there to each limb its appropriate life-force—so too with our service during Rosh Hashanah: these days must fit their role as "the head" for all days of the year. They must also be connected with all other days—to infuse them with vitality for accepting His kingship, Torah study, and mitzvah observance.

Among matters that help one's service generally—and especially connecting Rosh Hashanah with other days—is connection to "the head" of Israel's thousands (Rosh Alfei Yisrael), whose soul is like a head and intellect relative to other souls of his generation; from him they derive their nurture and life-force, and through him they are bound and united with their original essence and root. Likewise for each one of us: connection with our Nasi (leader) and head of our generation—my revered father-in-law, the previous Rebbe z"l—as he already explained: this connection comes through studying his teachings and following his upright path which he taught us; this will assist our service during Rosh Hashanah and connecting it with all other days. This will be a channel through which we will receive blessings for being inscribed and sealed for good—good that is visible and revealed—in both material and spiritual matters during Rosh Hashanah and then throughout the entire year.

Summary

Rosh Hashanah serves as both source and channel for blessing throughout the year. The Rebbe teaches that by valuing these special days properly—and by connecting ourselves to our generation's leader through learning his teachings—we draw down G‑d’s blessings for every day ahead.