By Rabbi Levi Volovik / Chabad of the Berkshires
Very soon, we will stand on the brink of a new year 5785 and what we hope will be a shana tova for all. As we once again seek to renew our contract with our Father in Heaven, it is a time for retrospection and introspection on how we measure up to living life to the fullest. It is a time to refocus, and recommit.
The 25th day of Elul marks the birthday of the world. Rosh Hashanah celebrates the birthday of man. Rosh Hashanah opens hearts and minds to understand the why of creation and the purpose in our being placed in this vast universe – human beings in the Kingdom of G-d. As such, our upcoming Days of Awe are not simply known as holidays, but Holy Days. Taking a "holiday," as a vacation is called in many countries, suggests respite from the daily grind, recreation, and relaxation. And while this is all good at the proper time, Holy Days inspire us to recommit to our true purpose and reconnect with our true inner essence, our G-dly soul. Whereas taking a holiday offers a change of scenery, a Holy Day is a return to our familiar Jewish roots. A holiday may empty our purse; the Holy Days fill our spiritual baggage with invaluable reserve for a productive, good year ahead. The months ahead are not simply filled with holidays, but filled with Holy Days meant to stir our soul and impact our lives with a change of heart and direction.
Rosh Hashanah is called the Day of Remembrance. G-d remembers our every deed. And while we human beings tend to forget and need reminders, I doubt anyone needs a reminder of the harrowing, horrific October 7 massacre, almost one year ago, that brought ruin and destruction in Israel and shrouded our world with deeper darkness. As the generation that has lived through the events of October 7, we have witnessed the depths to which unbridled man can sink, as well as the heights to which one can ascend. We have seen the ravages of terror and hate, as well as the power and impact of energy that is constructively harnessed to fulfilling G-d's will. We have seen what every individual man or woman can accomplish when called to the task. This innate spirit and strength came to the fore as our courageous IDF soldiers, concerned civilians, and caring neighbors rallied like angels in disguise, risking their own lives to save the lives of others. And we have also seen what one additional mitzvah can accomplish in actualizing victory and bringing the hostages home. Though the task is not yet complete, we experienced a surge of uplifted faith and reinforced trust in G-d's guiding, protective Hand.
With Rosh Hashana on the horizon, let's reflect on the good. More than just a happy new year; we wish for ourselves and others to have a “shana tova," a good year. And what would you say is the good that we need for the coming year? It may be a year of good health, joy, nachas from our children, economic and spiritual prosperity and, utmost, lasting, genuine peace in our Holy Land. Yes, we will pray for all of this and more, according to each one's individual needs. But to paraphrase the well-known saying: "Let's not only ask what we need of G-d, but let's ask what G-d needs of us." Rosh Hashanah is the time for all our supplications and sincere prayers. Every request is heard on High, and every one of our needs is desirable if it is a means to pursue a life of goodness and serving Him with heart and soul. G-d responds to those who call upon Him. But G-d needs us as well to be partners in realizing His desire for a world that is yet to be filled with truth, justice, righteousness, and kindness.
Although, thank G-d, Eretz Yisrael is the homeland of our people, waiting to welcome all with the coming of Mashiach, we are still fighting for our security. Though miracles abound, we still await the miracle of total victory. Though we still linger in the darkness of exile, our faith is unwavering. No matter the circumstances, doom, gloom, and despair have never been part of our lexicon.
We learned that when the Mishkan, the Sanctuary in the desert, was set up, a cloud covered the Dwelling by day, and in the evening a fiery image appeared. Noted scholar and author Rabbi Shlomo Zevin says that this description foreshadows life. There are times when clouds hover, and we are overwhelmed by difficulties and challenges. But we never despair. At the darkest times, a bright fiery image is visible. The cloud and the fire, Rabbi Zevin says, is a lesson in faith that keeps us optimistically forging ahead regardless of trials and tribulations. We are assured that G-d is in control, He leads us forward and protects us. But G-d needs our input. As real as dawn follows darkness, we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. However, in the chaotic times in which we still live, we are enjoined to be that light in the tunnel, to be an "influencer," and awaken the G-dly spark inherent within others. It's up to us to saturate the world with the glow of Torah and Mitzvot, transforming the world into a comfortable dwelling place for G-d - a world that is ready for Mashiach and ultimate redemption!
We invite you to join together in this grand venture. In the merit of our solidarity as a community, may we all be inscribed in the Book of Life for a sweet, peaceful and prosperous year, renewed with all that is good, physically, materially, and spiritually!
Rabbi Levi Volovik is co-director (with his wife, Sara Volovik) of Chabad of the Berkshires in Pittsfield. The image shows the Voloviks in front of the new Chabad center in Lenox, which is currently under construction.