The Judgment and the Joy of Rosh Hashana

Rabbi Daniel Rowe

On every significant date in the Jewish calendar, whether fast day or festival, it is a straightforward matter to know what the emotional state we are trying to achieve. Rosh Hashana is different. There are aspects of judgment, and prayers that refer to it as a heavy and sever day when life and death stands in the balance. On the other hand there are laws and sources, from the book of Nechemiah (Nehemiah) through to the Shulchan Aruch that appear to deliver a contradictory message; that we need not worry about the judgement and can instead celebrate.

In this talk, delivered by Rabbi Rowe in the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem, 18th September 2024, the dual nature of the day is unravelled, together with its judgement and joy.

The talk explores what it is that is actualy in the balance, how the day takes us back tot he Garden of Eden, and how it is designed to transform us as people to reach deep into innermost selves, to reawaken our inner depth and to lay the foundations of a year transforming ourselves and the world for the good.

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