When Rosh Hashanah Cannot Be. D’var Torah for Rosh Hashanah
When Rosh Hashanah Cannot Be.
Rosh Hashanah can only begin on four specific days of the week.
It will never start on a Sunday, Wednesday, or Friday. Our Rabbis have given us a way to remember this with the phrase, “Lo Adu Rosh.” Rosh refers to Rosh Hashanah, and Adu represents the three days it can’t start on: Aleph (Sunday), Daled (Wednesday), and Vav (Friday).
But why is this? The reasoning is as follows:
If Rosh Hashanah were to start on a Sunday, then Hoshana Rabbah would fall on Shabbat. Since Hoshana Rabbah involves beating the willows and performing other practices, this would lead to the violation of Shabbat. So, Rosh Hashanah can’t begin on a Sunday.
Rosh Hashanah also cannot start on a Wednesday because Yom Kippur would then fall on a Friday. Preparing for Shabbat while fasting on Yom Kippur would be extremely difficult!
Similarly, Rosh Hashanah can’t commence on a Friday because Yom Kippur would end up on a Sunday. Preparing for Yom Kippur during the restrictions of Shabbat would create significant challenges!
Isn’t it fascinating that the scheduling of Rosh Hashanah, often seen as one of the most significant days in the Jewish calendar, is directly influenced by Shabbat, the day we celebrate every single week?
This reminds us that, while seasonal Jewish experiences like Rosh Hashanah are important and deeply meaningful, it is the regular observance of Shabbat that holds even greater significance.
As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, let us also commit to experiencing Hashem in an extraordinary way every week, not just on special occasions. Because, ultimately, as important as Rosh Hashanah is, Shabbat is even more so.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tovah
This is a transcript of a video, which is available to view via chiefrabbi.org/dvar-torah
