A Rosh HaShana Reflection
by Rabbi Avi Weiss

Parashat Nitzavim
28 Elul 5758/ September 18-19, 1998

We live in a world where people emphasize history-their past, or the future-their hopes and dreams.  Does the present really occur?  After anticipating a particular event it passes in an instant and becomes a memory.

Interestingly, in every Shabbat portion read between the Ninth of Av and Yom Kippur, the word Ha -Yom (today)  appears.  Perhaps the most famous is in this weeks portion read on the eve of Rosh Hashana-where the Jewish nation is told "You are standing this day (Ha -Yom) all of you before the Lord your God." (Deuteronomy 29:9)

Indeed, the Rosh Hashana service reaches its crescendo as we recite the famous Ha -Yom prayer which states, "May you strengthen us this day (Ha-Yom), may you bless us this day (Ha-Yom)."

The word  Ha-Yom may remind us that sometimes one has the chance to change the world today;  but if one misses that chance, the opportunity may be lost forever.

For me the narrative which most powerfully teaches this idea is the binding of Isaac story which, not coincidently, is read on Rosh Hashana.  Consider the image of Avraham (Abraham), Yitzhak's (Isaac's) father who was old enough to be his grandfather, taking his son to Moriah.  After a three-day trek Avraham binds Yitzhak, lifts his knife and is prepared to slaughter him.

Now consider the second image.  An angel of God appears at a distance intent upon interceding. As I become older I have started to read   this story with a
different perspective.  Now that I am a father and grandfather I wonder whether the angel will intervene in time.

When mentioning this to one of my students she responded, "You've missed the point rebbe--angels always make it on time, people don't."

No doubt Ha- Yom teaches that when performing an action, we  should consider how it is  influenced by the past and impacts on the future-merging into the present deed.

No doubt, also, Ha-Yom teaches us to hold on to the good times.  Those moments come and go too quickly.

But in this season, Ha-Yom reminds us of the importance of proper timing. In the words of the rabbis, "Do not say when I have time I will do, lest that time never come."

What an appropriate message especially on Rosh Hashana, the day of repentance which emphasizes our being given a second chance.  Ha -Yom reminds us that sometimes that is not the case-sometimes an opportunity arises only once-Ha-Yom.

SHABBAT SHALOM

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Rabbi Avi Weiss, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
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