by Rabbi Rothman
Whereas Rosh HaShanah is both a joyous holiday where we publicly coronate the
All-mighty and also a day of judgement in that we receive our “annual review”, the messages are
somewhat conflicting. On the one hand, we are very happy, on the other perhaps somewhat
apprehensive.
This is shown in the different ways we greet and bless each other on Rosh HaShanah. On the
first night, before the actual moment of judgement, we wish each other that “you should be
blessed by being written immediately into the “Book of Life, Success & Health”. However, that
unique greeting is only said on this particular evening.
Following the first night of Rosh HaShanah our greeting changes, since it is after the original
judgement. From then on, throughout the holiday we wish each other a “Good Year” or a “Good
YomTov”. This is the appropriate greeting for a Yom Tov.
One point to remember, whatever the greeting it is clearly important to greet and to bless others
over the holiday. Keep in mind, whenever we look back at our first time in a new community or
synagogue, one of the things that always sticks in our mind is that people either greeted you or
ignored you. Believe it or not, it is one of the most significant signs of someone feeling welcome
in a new place!
May I take this opportunity to wish and bless you all that you and your family should be written
into the book of life, success and health for the coming year and that we all should be able to be
here to make the same blessing next year.
Important Numbers
