Rosh Hashanah 5787 – Known Unknowns

Why are we not scared of Rosh Hashanah?

We hear the stories of previous generations. How they would faint at the announcement of the word Elul and the extreme intensity of the build-up towards the day on which life and death are decided. If we had a court date or even a serious exam, we would naturally feel a sense of dread and anticipation. Why, by Rosh Hashanah, is that not so?

Many Mussar experts have grappled with this question over the years, but I'd like to share my take.

Human instinct is to respond to clear triggers. We respect transparent processes: cause and effect. We struggle to put in effort to achieve an unknown or indeterminate result. The clearer the connection between the actions we take and the end goal, the more it resonates with us.

For example, if I exercise regularly, I can see gradual, yet clear, defined and trackable improvements to my physical health. Online shopping is more attractive if the delivery schedule is well defined.

Conversely, we are scared away from systems that lack clear inputs and outputs. A credit card with an unclear fee structure. Investing in an expensive piece of new electronics when you're not sure if it is really worth the money. We even spend money to reduce uncertainty through insurance, warranties and returns policies.

The Din of Rosh Hashanah falls into the second category.

We believe that Hashem is in total control of our lives and that our health, wealth, relationships and all other things are determined by Him. We also believe that we are accountable for all our actions, Mitzvos and Aveiros, and that these have an effect on the verdict.

Yet, we are equally aware of the countless other factors that determine Hashem's conduct towards us. Tzadik Ve'ra Lo and Rasha Ve'Tov Lo are not new issues. We know all the answers and philosophize away the question with the great, "We don't understand!" or, "We're not meant to understand!"

But then it begs the question: why have the Din of Rosh Hashanah at all? If the Divine ways are beyond human comprehension, why reveal anything to us?

The Ramchal explains that the Torah speaks to us about the various attributes of Hashem's behaviour in order that we should understand Him and connect to Him. However, the Torah simultaneously withholds information specifically so that we connect with Him.

How does that work?

To explain with a Mashal.

In life, we hire out many professional services. Be it a plumber, lawyer, doctor, accountant or car mechanic, the dynamic is the same. We pay someone to do something we can't do ourselves.

On the one hand, we want to understand what they are doing. If we have too little information, or the professional is doing something totally illogical, we quickly lose trust and suspect a scam.

On the other hand, if the professional demonstrates so clearly how they operate and what's involved in the task, the next time around you'll just do it yourself.

In order to maintain both the customer relationship and the professional relationship, the communication level has to be in the sweet spot: enough for the customer to feel that they are in safe hands, but not so much that the professional's expertise becomes unnecessary.

Emunah in Hashem has the same balance.

Hashem loves us and wants us to have the best possible relationship with Him. We want Hashem in our lives and running our lives. If we know too little about His ways, we'll lose trust in Him and His grand plan for us. Too much information, and we'll feel we can play the system and succeed without the relationship.

Rosh Hashanah is where we accept anew that Hashem is the King of the world and of our lives in particular. We want to appoint Him as the boss, the true professional in how to live life to the max.

Shanah Tova!!!!

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