This Weeks Parsha

A ROSH HASHANAH MESSAGE

The days of Rosh Hashanah, days of Awe, penetrate the hearts of the Jewish people with Holy feelings of Teshuvah - returning - coming back to our Father in Heaven.

Rosh Hashanah actually means the "Head of the Year" rather than the New Year.  The head is our nerve centre.  It controls all our movements, every limb and bone.  The Head of the year, too, sets the pace for the whole year - giving life, vitality and meaning to every month, week and day.

The main Mitzvah of Rosh Hashana is blowing the Shofar.  The call of the Shofar beckons us all to come back, to cry - and to return to G-d with all our heart and soul.

As one tries to do Teshuvah before Rosh Hashana and accept New Year resolutions, it is important to realise that whatever good deed one does-a Mitzvah, a Custom,etc. the Almighty looks upon it kindly, deriving much "Nachas" from it. Although one might feel that they cannot fulfill the Torah in its entirety for whatever reason, just by the mere fact that one does a good deed, this will lead to another,and another, until eventually one observes all that is required of him.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a Ksivah V'chasimah Tovah.

May you be inscribed and sealed for a year of "gezunt" and happiness, physically and spiritually, and merit the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days.

RABBI C. GALPERIN