Focusing on the Jew's Obligation to Do Teshuva, Prayer and Charity
From the Teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Zt"l
This Shabbat and Sunday are the holy days of Rosh Hashana. Traditionally, the High Holidays are associated with Teshuva, Tefila and Tzedaka - repentance, prayer and charity - which together form the three pillars of our service of G-d. The usual translation of these three concepts do not, however, convey their true Jewish essence.
The Exact Translation of Teshuva is “Charata"
Teshuva is usually rendered "repentance." However, the exact translation of "repentance" is "charata."
Charata stresses a movement toward a new path of action by the individual. He regrets that he committed an evil deed, or failed to perform a good one, and now wishes to conduct himself in a new manner. Teshuva, on the other hand, signifies return. A Jew is essentially good, and his innermost desire is to do what is right. It is only due to various circumstances, wholly or partly beyond his control, that he has erred. This is the Jewish concept of teshuva - a return to his roots and origins, to his innermost self, revealing his innate personality, which will now become the master of his life.
The More Accurate Translation of Prayer is "Bakasha" – a Request
Tefila is generally translated as "prayer." Yet the more accurate translation of prayer would be "bakasha."
Similar to teshuva and charata, tefila and bakasha are antonyms. Bakasha means a request, a plea. Tefila means "to attach oneself." Bakasha emphasizes a request to the Alm-ghty to grant us our needs. However, when we lack or desire nothing, our asking is superfluous. Tefila signifies attaching oneself to G-d, and is relevant to everyone at all times.
Every Jew has a soul that is bound and connected to G-d. At times, these ties to the Alm-ghty may become weakened. To correct this, we have specific times during the day for tefila in order to renew and strengthen our ties with G-d. Hence, even for those who lack nothing material, there exists the concept of tefila, "wanting to get closer to G-d," so to speak. It is the means of strengthening the bond and attachment between the Jew and his Creator.
The More Accurate Word for “Charity” is Chesed
Tzedaka is often translated as "charity." But the more accurate word for charity is actually "chesed." The word chesed stresses the kindness of giving. This concept does not demand that the recipient be deserving, nor the donor obligated to give. Instead, out of goodness, he gives. Tzedaka, on the other hand, comes from the Hebrew word meaning "justice," signifying that justice demands of the Jew that he give, and for two reasons: First, he is not giving of his own, but only what has been entrusted to him by G-d to give to others. Second, since everyone depends on the Alm-ghty to provide for his needs, one is obligated to repay "measure for measure" and give to others.
Reprinted from the Rosh Hashanah 5764/2003 (Issue #788) email of L'Chaim, a publication of the Lubavitch Youth Organization in Brooklyn, NY. Adapted from a talk of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
