Rosh Hashanah is a time to crown G-d and recognize His Kingship. On Rosh Hashanah our fate for the year is written and later sealed. We read in the machzor that it will be determined who will live and who will die – who by water and who by fire, who by sword and who by beast... As I read these words the magnitude struck me. I was overcome with emotion and gratitude realizing that last year it was determined that I would be in a fire and endure great suffering, but my life would be spared. It could have been determined differently for me.
Months passed after the fire and thank G-d I slowly rebuilt, with significant help from the Jewish community at large who graciously offered their homes, food, clothes, supplies, money, and continued support. I will always be indebted for these significant acts of kindness and hope to one day pay them forward. At the end of January I returned to Israel on the Aish Destiny trip, a women’s retreat to reconnect, rejuvenate and revitalize. It did just that and more.
While in Israel, I met my now husband. I had been searching and praying for many years to find my bashert (soulmate) and my prayers were finally answered. Could this have happened if I had not endured certain events and grown in specific ways earlier in the year? Would I be at this same place I am now if I had not been guided on a specific path in life and through my various trials and tribulations? Were my prayers that Rosh Hashanah heard?
We don’t always understand why bad or difficult things happen. There is so much confusion, suffering, and uncertainty. But we are not in full control. There is a greater power, a Source, a Creator that has painted a picture for every one of us. We do not always see the picture clearly, but sometimes we do get a glimmer of light illuminating it for a split second. It is hard to understand when we are left in the dark. But we should not lose sight of the fact that there is a plan and it is ultimately good, we just do not see the full tapestry yet.
This Rosh Hashanah take the time to reflect on your past, give thanks, pray for the upcoming year, and recognize the magnitude of the day and the power it can hold.
Reprinted from an email from aish.com.
