"Sound the Shofar" Thoughts for the High Holidays

For me the High Holidays have always been a very intense time. This is the time of year to look at ourselves, our actions and motivations and evaluate how well we have lived and what we must do to correct our missteps. During services this Rosh Hashanah I became very intensely aware that I was doing so in the presence of G-d! Hearing the shofar blasts, I realized again that we were declaring Hashem to be the King of the Universe.

Sounding the Shofar

The sounding of the shofar awakens my mind and soul to the humbling realities of this awesome day. First that we are standing in the presence of Sovereign G-d. One of the profound themes of Rosh Hashanah is the crowning of the Divine King (malkuyot). Several years ago, I adopted the custom of wearing white during High Holy Day services, beginning on Rosh Hashanah. For me this attire symbolizes my desire to appear before the King of Kings as one seeking cleansing and purification. I am better able to focus my thoughts, intentions and prayers toward seeking atonement and a renewed sense of my own role in the mission of bringing holiness into the world.

The second great theme is that G-d remembers (zichronot). G-d remembers all our deeds. Even the little things that we have long forgotten are alive in G-d's memory. The purpose of our confession is to tell Hashem that we are aware of our own imperfections. As I prepare myself for Yom Kippur I know that I will be asking for forgiveness and atonement from One Who knows me well! But the prayers of zichronot  remind us that G-d also remembers His covenant. We are His people! It is G-d's desire to forgive us, heal us, grant us atonement. I have confidence that sincere repentance is always accepted.

The final shofar blasts (shofarot) not only declare Hashem King and awaken me to the reality of my need for atonement. They summon me to stand before G-d as the Gates of Repentance are opened. Over these next days I humbly approach the King's throne. On Yom Kippur I stand before the Divine Sovereign and confess the litany of sins that I - and we - have committed during the last year, knowing that G-d will hear my prayer and grant atonement.

"The Gates are Open"

As the Neilah service brings the Holy Days to a conclusion and the Gates of Repentance slowly close, I will realize with a new intensity that this is a time for rejoicing. There is no more fulfilling experience than to stand with my fellow Jews as the Gates close and declare aloud, "Hear O Israel, Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is One." Then loudly we proclaim what before we could declare only in a whisper,  "Blessed be the Name of His glorious Kingdom forever." Seven times we shout together as one, "Hashem, He is G-d!" And one final time the shofar sounds, not to announce the closing of the Gates of Repentance, but to declare open the Gates of Fellowship. Immediately after breaking the fast, I will return home and symbolically begin erecting my sukkah. In just a few days, the King of Kings will dwell with us all in our sukkot and dance with us on Simchat Torah!

This year may the Holidays bring to you and yours a renewed sense of the Presence of G-d in your life.May you know only good things in 5774. And may you be inscribed and sealed for a good, sweet, healthy and happy New Year! Shanah Tovah!

Related links:
The Meaning of the Shofar
All About the Shofar
"The Joy and Anxiety of Teshuvah" (video)