Rosh Hashanah teaches the value of good choices

Jewish festivals have a way of confusing people because they occur on different dates each year. The obvious reason is because Jewish tradition has maintained an independent calendar for over 3,000 years that is unique in its format and sophistication.

At sundown on Wednesday, September 20 Jews in the Mat-Su Valley and throughout the world will start celebrating the beginning of the new year of the Jewish calendar. We observe the holiday by spending extra time at the synagogue engaged in prayer and introspection. A traditional Shofar (a ram’s horn) is blown in a specific series of sounds. Of course, there is an emphasis on celebrating with festive meals and various symbolic foods are eaten in anticipation for a sweet new year.

Interestingly enough, unlike most other Jewish festivals, Rosh Hashanah does not commemorate an event uniquely relevant to Jewish history. Passover commemorates the Israelites' exodus from slavery in Egypt. Shavuot was the revelation at Mt. Sinai. Sukkot reminds us how G-d protected us during our forty year journey through the desert. Yom Kippur was the day of atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf.

Rosh Hashanah commemorates creation. More specifically, it is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve - the first human beings - as recorded in the Bible. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of blessed memory, notes the relevance and meaning of this event for all humanity and our shared goal to transform this world into a place of goodness and kindness, thereby revealing the inherent divinity within it.

As he became conscious of his existence, the Talmud relates that Adam recognized his Creator and he called out to all of creation to acknowledge that fact in unison.“Come, let us prostrate ourselves and bow down; let us bend the knee before the L-rd our Maker (Psalms, Chapter 95).” Every element of reality followed his lead and G-d was crowned King of the Universe. Like Adam and Eve, who were formed and created by G-d Himself, every human being, of all races and creeds, is created in G-d's image, with a unique purpose that only he or she can achieve.

Remembering their story allows us to be mindful of the fact that we are granted free choice and doing the right thing is not a given. Perfecting our world depends on the choices we each make every day.

Consider waking up in the morning and recognizing the miracle of being granted once again the gift of life. In gratitude, choose to make this world even better than it was yesterday. A new day brings new opportunities for good.

These choices need not be monumental in breadth or scope. A single act of charity, a cheerful greeting to a stranger and an encouraging word can have far reaching effects. And if you doubt the validity of this assertion, think of the nuclear world we live in today.

Less than a century ago it was believed that quantity determines quality and that in order to effect major change one needs access to huge amounts of resources. Nuclear science revealed that even a single atom contains astronomic amounts of energy – as long as its fullest potential is utilized.

Affix a charity box at your home or office and give a few coins each day for those in need. Add an extra dollar to your employees’ paychecks and encourage them to get involved in charitable acts. Treat others with respect. Show more consideration for your family, friends and neighbors.

One person at a time. One good deed at a time. One good choice at a time.

Together it will add up to the perfect world we all wish for ourselves and for future generations.

Happy New Year!

Rosh Hashanah begins on Wednesday, September 20 at sundown and is observed through Friday, September 22 and continues straight into Shabbat- Sabbath. To learn more about Rosh Hashanah, please visit matsujewishcenter.org/High-Holidays