He’s My Father

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, each year, bring about a mixture of emotions for those who seriously contemplate the season.  The major issue is wondering what G-D thinks of us. Our weaknesses, failures, even our accomplishments come before the eyes of G-D for review.  “What does He think of me?” “Have I pleased The Creator?”  Does He think that I deserve a better new year?

As we struggle with these questions, I am reminded of my relationship with my own children.  Over the years, there were times of embarrassment, frustration and disobedience.  But never would I have disowned any of my children because of these offenses.  Therefore, I’m forced to think consider, “if I, in such a low spiritual state, demonstrate chesid (kindness) to my children, how much easier could The Creator of the Universe show chesid to me?”  G-D is our Father, eager to bestow upon us His compassion and loving kindness. In the Jewish tradition, one’s relationship with God is often compared to the relationship between a father and son.

The secret to renewal during Rosh Hashanah

As the sages of blessed memory remind us, Hashem, blessed be He, judges us for our effort and not our perfection. Phew!  That’s a relief.  Even a Tzaddik (righteous person) approaches G-D knowing there is room for improvement. This year, when we approach the King, let us be reminded, behind the splendor, majesty, and mystery of The Creator of the Universe is a kind, compassionate Father waiting for us to surrender our will to His. He desires a relation with each and every one of us.  A relation full of joy, peace, and life.  The secret of renewal during this High Holiday season is abandonment of self to take upon ourselves the yoke of His Kingship.

Do you want success in the new year?  Implement the same attitude you would expect from your own child.  Moshe spoke to our fathers, “This day The LORD your God commands you to do these statutes and rules.  You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul.  You have declared today that The LORD is your God, and that you will walk in His ways, and keep His statutes and His commandments and His rules, and will obey His voice.  And The LORD has declared today that you are a people for His treasured possession, as He has promised you, and that you are to keep all His commandments, and that He will set you in praise and in fame and in honor high above all nations that He has made, and that you shall be a people holy to The LORD your God, as He promised.” (Devarim 26:16-19)