Community Magazine September 2019

Elul 5779 September 2019 43 of jurors arrived to begin the trial proceedings did he accept that he was at the point of no return, and it was “now or never” to plead guilty and receive a lesser punishment. And I instantly saw myself doing something similar. Don’t I also push away the thoughts of consequences for my misdeeds? Don’t I also pretend sometimes that I could somehow avoid reaping what I have sown? Rosh Hashanah is coming. We face a judgment during these Days of Awe. Judgment sounds daunting and negative. Why does Gd judge us every year? Rosh Hashanah as the Day of Remembrance An answer is nestled in another name for Rosh Hashanah. In the machzor Rosh Hashanah is called Yom Hazikaron , the Day of Remembrance. On Rosh Hashanah, as we stand before Gd, all the moments of the past year - the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly – the ones we remember and the ones we forget, all of them are right there, in living color, before Gd, who forgets nothing. On Rosh Hashanah every moment is remembered, looked at, and judged. Gd’s judgment isn’t to exact revenge. His judgment means that He cares about everything we do. Our actions matter. Through judgment, Gd makes us aware that our choices make a real difference. Our lives are significant; we are responsible for shaping the world. And that meaning and responsibility is a tremendous cause for celebration. We are all facing a trial. Will we be like that defendant who didn’t take his judgment seriously until it was almost too late? Or will we confront reality, admit our guilt, and prepare for trial? Let’s get ready by living a little better today than yesterday. Let’s make sure to perform some kindness, study some Torah, and take our next step in growth, whatever it may be. And let’s look in the mirror and see where we are guilty and resolve to do better. Facing the real consequences of my choices was my grand jury impact. Rabbi Boruch Leff is a vice-principal at Torah Institute in Baltimore. He is also an accomplished writer and author. His latest book, titled, "Are You Growing?" (Feldheim), is a must read if you want to grow spiritually. His articles can also be found on Aish.com. “I thought jury duty was going to be waste of time. Instead it changed my life.”