Rosh Hashanah is a time of a lot of symbolism. We eat certain foods, we don’t eat other food like nuts, and some have the custom not to take a Yom Tov nap on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. Why do we do all of these different things after all we are not a religion that believes in superstitions? I would suggest that the reason can be found in a concept that the Sefer HaChinuch mentions often as to the reason behind certain Mitzvoth. He says that one’s thoughts follow ones actions. So if one is involved in giving of Tzedakah he will begin to not only to do acts of kindness but actual start thinking that way. I believe the same is true with our actions on Rosh Hashanah; we do things so that we will have the proper frame of mind as we enter into Rosh Hashanah, Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgment. Perhaps by not eating nuts we will think about the reason behind this custom ,and focus less on the concept of Chet (sins). Therefore even things that we may not do the entire year we do on Rosh Hashanah with the hope that these actions will lead to thoughts that will indeed change the way we think and act for the entire year. In order to get the year off on a proper note I have sent home four divrei torah so that there can be one dvar torah at each meal.
My hope is that through all of our actions and deeds may we all be inscribed for a happy and healthy new year.
Ketiva V’chatima Tova
Rabbi Greenblatt
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