Congregants and Baal Tokei’a Gaze at Each Other
We are required to gaze at the face of the one sounding the Shofar – just as he is expected to gaze at the faces of the congregants. Unlike casual vision, gazing indicates a deep, internal scrutiny.
Discreet Yizkor
On Rosh Hashanah, the Chabad Rebbeim would very discretely recite Yizkor. [The Rebbe concluded with a smile:] Indeed, when this secret was passed on to me, it was immediately evident that sooner or later, I would reveal and publicize it to all...
Leshanah Tovah on the Second Day
My father [the Kabbalist R' Levi Yitzchak Schneerson] wrote that “the final inscription and seal for a good year occurs at the time of sounding the Shofar.” Accordingly, there may be grounds to continue blessing each other to be “inscribed and sealed for a good year” all the way until the sounding of the Shofar on the second day of Rosh Hashanah – for that is when the final determination is made.
But Not After Shofar
Seemingly, after sounding the Shofar on the second day, we should no longer recite this blessing; the Heavenly decision has already been approved. Nevertheless, this matter needs to be looked into further.
Take on a New Hidur
Each of us, man and woman alike, should take on a new hidur – the enhanced performance of a particular Mitzvah. As the Previous Rebbe related regarding his own father, the Rebbe Rashab, who was accustomed to accept a new hidur before each Rosh Hashanah. This report, particularly as it concerns the conduct of a Rebbe, serves to instruct and empower each of us to follow suit.
