Every year, before (or during) Rosh Hashanah, the Rebbe Rashab would accept upon himself an additional Hiddur Mitzvah (an extra praiseworthy way of performing a Mitzvah, a zehirut in a lo ta’aseh (an extra precaution to distance himself from sin), and a hanhagah tovah (a good practice).
This practice is in line with the following teaching of the Ba’al Shem Tov:
The verse says “Tiku BaChodesh Shofar, Blow the Shofar in the new month.” The word chodesh (month) can also mean renewal. Thus, the verse can be interpreted to mean: “Blow the shofar with renewed energy” and not simply like an old obligation. Since Rosh Hashanah is emblematic of the entire year, this lesson applies to our service to G-d throughout the year – that one should always serve Him with renewed vitality and excitement and not by rote.
