In 2024, October 2-4 marks the “Head of the Year” or Rosh Hashanah for the Jewish people. It’s a time for reflection on God’s role as Creator, King and Judge. The traditional teaching describes the earth’s inhabitants passing before God like a flock of sheep as the heavenly court determines each one’s fate. So, there is a solemn aspect in repentant prayers and petitions for the Almighty’s blessing. The devotion of Abraham and Issac met by the faithful deliverance by God’s ram is read from the Torah. On these days it is essential to hear the sound of the Shofar, a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. On the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah it is customary to go to a body of water and perform the Tashlich ceremony, in which sins are cast into the water evoking the text in Micah 7:19, “And You shall cast their sins into the depths of the sea.” This ancient verse also foreshadows the practice of baptism which Jesus participated in. In contrast to the shofar’s staccato song coronating God as King of the World, John the Baptist raised his voice to herald Jesus Messiah, “the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the World” (John 1:29). As we read these words may our complacent hearts awaken. May we recognize God’s mercies are new every morning. Embrace this day and this season as a fresh opportunity to choose His way for life. As the customary Rosh Hashanah greeting conveys, may we all have a good inscription and sealing in the Book of Life.
