At the most basic level, we're here because of the command that on this date -- the new moon of the seventh month -- the Jews are to make a solemn convocation of all the people. I spoke last time we met about why it's appropriate that we should have a month of renewal in the seventh month of the year; tonight I want to explore a few other questions of this convocation.
What calls us here tonight, out of the daily routine of our lives?
The sound of the shofar . . . calls us all to God. It calls poor and rich to true riches, it calls the most distant wanderer home. -- Samson Raphael HirschI want to welcome everyone here this evening, and express my own gladness that the community of Bet Tikvah has become a home for this distant wanderer, where I can answer the call of the shofar and heed the offer of enrichment in my life.
I think the key reason we come together and specifically gather in a "convocation" on Rosh Hashana is because of what calls us, because of the sounding of the shofar. The trumpeting call reminds us of standing at Sinai and of the covenant, which we renew at this season. But there is more to it than that. The sound of the shofar is wild and disturbing, designed to jolt us out of our complacency, to awaken us to something urgent and important, and I think that is why we congregate to hear it -- it is too wild and awesome to hear without fellowship and the attention of our family and friends, too frightening to awaken all alone.
What is asked of us tonight in this congregation at prayer?
Wake up and think about your actions. Do not mistake shadows for reality and waste your life chasing after trivial things which cannont really help you. -- Maimonides
The blast of the shofar is a wake-up call, that reminds us that life is what happens whether or not you pay attention -- so pay attention!
What will we discover as we open the book of our lives?
Who is not examined on this day! The record of all our actions passes before God; our work and occupations, our deeds and ways, our hidden thoughts and schemes, the real motives behind our actions. -- MachzorThis is a time of relentless self-scrutiny, so that we may be prepared when the Divine Energy points out to us what our real motives are, what our true actions have been, and the actual content of our characters.
How should we begin when we look at our lives?
When we are led to the final judgment we are asked: "Did you deal honestly? Did you fix times for study? Did you search for wisdom?" -- ShabbatWe know exactly where to begin: we should ask ourselves if we have complied with the simple command from Micah: "Act justly, love loyalty, and walk humbly before your God."
What difference will it make to the world if we judge ourselves honestly?
The world is judged by the majority of its people, and an individual by the majority of his or her deeds. Happy is the person who performs a good deed: that may tip the scales not just for one person but for the world. -- KiddushinIf we can be honest in our self-scrutiny, and if we can seek goodness, we are not just saving ourselves but (maybe!) making the world a better place . . . in the short run, but also in the grand scheme of things.
Can we trust what we learn about ourselves in these prayers?
Happy is the person who does not forget You and gains strength from You, O God. For those who seek You will never stumble, and those who put their trust in You will not be disappointed. -- MachzorThis service is simple, and it draws its message from the special psalm we recited all last month, the month of Elul, when Psalm 27 was added to our daily prayers: "Be strong, take courage, and wait for God."
Can we change the habits and patterns of our lives?
A new heart will I give you and a new spirit set within you. I shall take the heart of stone from your bodies, and give you instead a heart that lives. -- EzekielPersonal and historic transformations happen through a true change of heart. This can be as dramatic as the Pharoah's experience (God hardened Pharoah's heart again and again to bring us out of Egypt with a might hand and an outstretched hand), or as sweet an experience as falling in love. We are not alone in these transformations, though; we can change the habits and patterns of our lives -- undergo a change of heart -- when we notice the Spirit that flows through us.
Can we leave old ways behind and begin our live afresh?
For now I create new heavens and a new earth, and the past need not be remembered, nor ever brought to mind. Be glad and rejoice in what I can create. -- IsaiahWe are here to celebrate the new year, the birth of the world and of humanity. This is our golden opportunity to begin anew -- so be glad and rejoice in the renewal of ourselves, our community, and all creation.
L'Shana Tova.