Community Magazine September 2009

Torah Riddle, Rhyme & Reason Answers: Riddle: Which perakim (chapters) in Tehillim have pesukim (verses) arrangedaccording to the Aleph Bet? Rhyme: A day of judgment this is, The shofar’s blast piercing and severe! Hashem’s sitting on His throne Judging us on our deeds this past year. If this is such a serious day, Why then do we celebrate With holiday clothing, eating, joy - Shouldn’t it be a somber date? Reason: Why do we say in the Rosh Hashana Amida “zecher l’yessiat Missrayim – a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt”? What’s the connec- tion between Rosh Hashana and leaving Egypt? Riddle: Perakim 34, 111, 112, 119, 145. Rhyme: Rosh Hashana is epitomized by the words “vegilu biraada – rejoice with trembling” (Tehillim 2:11). The Sefer Hahinuch (chapter 311) writes that the accounting taken of a person’s deeds each year is a profound expression of divine kindness, as otherwise our sins would accumulate, leaving no possibility for repentance. The annual accounting helps to minimize our sins such that Hashem can either punish for them little by little, or dismiss them altogether. Therefore, while on the one hand we act somberly, aware of the seriousness of the day, we also celebrate the fact that our judgment is in the loving “hands” of Hashem. Furthermore, if there would be no Rosh Hashana, the misdeeds of mankind would accumulate and the world would have to be destroyed. Rosh Hashana ensures the continued existence of the world, and it is therefore worthy of being celebrated as a holiday. Reason: According to some sources, it was on Rosh Hashana when the Jews in Egypt were first allowed to stop their backbreaking slave labor, as the maccot (plagues) began descending upon the Egyptian oppressors. 116 CoMMUniTy MagazinE  ”  the Etrog Lulav SourcE @ Tehilat Yitzchak book store 804 Avenue S Beautiful Yemenite & Israeli Etrogim Morrocan & Italian Deri Lulavim Ready Made Sets Available Direct from the Source Wholesale/Retail For orders PLeAse cALL: r. eli david (917)375-5213 r. Jacob shalom (917) 363-2950 store # (718)633-7000 &