Many customs done to confuse Satan; how is it possible that an angel would not know (everyone has access to a calendar)?
- Makes it appear that the judgment already happened, and Jews were victorious and no need for Satan to prosecute.
- By being broken-hearted from not doing these customs leads to increased desire and love of Torah & Mitzvos, where that causes Satan to not prosecute.
Minhag is Torah; keeping customs leads to joy and vitality in fulfilling Mitzvos
Blessing and Prayer
A blessing (מלשון בריכה) indicates drawing down a matter that already exists in its spiritual source thus, primarily in speech that reveals what is hidden in thought. Prayer (יהי רצון) indicates a new matter, not previously available, primarily through the heart; (as derived from the prayer of Chana); the goal of Rosh HaShana is to also effect a new Ratzon.
Purpose of Verses and Shofar
Purpose of the verses of מלכיות זכרונות שופרות (different opinions); these verses are connected with the analogies from the Baal Shem Tov and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev about Shofar.
Preparation and Kabbalos Ol
In the siddur of the Alter Rebbe (made for the ordinary person to daven with all the proper intentions), only once in the beginning of the day, does one say “L’shem Yichud”, which affects the rest of the day. So does the proper preparation mentioned in the siddur before blowing Shofar, the beginning of year, since Shofar is a general concept of Kabbalos Ol that affects the entire year. Not only does one have to take on resolutions regarding specific Mitzvos; but one needs to prepare before the Shofar to accept Kabbalos Ol for the entire year.
ACTIONS TO CONFUSE SATAN (חלק כד)
- Not mention Rosh Chodesh in Rosh HaShana prayers
- Do not bless the new month on Shabbos before Rosh HaShana
- Do not blow the shofar on erev Rosh HaShana
- Do not begin Parshas Bereshis on Rosh HaShana
- Two sets of shofar blowing on Rosh HaShana
- Blow shofar each day of Elul
- Confused with Great Shofar blasts of Moshiach (note 23)
Two Days as One Long Day
Two days of Rosh HaShana are like one long day:
First day – inner level פנימיות
Second day – outer level חיצוניות
