Where can we get the strength to pass through this Rosh Hashana and why are we so weak? Rabbi Yisrael Salanter gives us the keys to get the energy we need to receive a successful verdict.

Gemara Rosh HaShana 18a states: For R. Hisda said: Where a king and a community appear together, the king is brought up for judgment first, as it says: the judgment of his servant (Solomon) and the judgment of his people. (Kings, 53:59) What is the reason? If you like I can say, because it is not seemly that the king should stand outside, and if you like I can say, (the king is tried) before the Divine wrath becomes really fierce.

We can learn from here that the sooner we are judged on Rosh Hashanah the better our ruling will be. You do not want to be judged at the end of day after Hashem has already investigated all the billions of transgressions perpetrated against him over the past year. So how can we get ourselves to the front of the line for this year's court case?

The Gemara Rosh HaShana 18a explains: On the New Year all mankind pass before him like children of maron. What is the meaning of the expression ˜like children of maron'? In Babylon it was translated, ˜like a flock of sheep'. Rashi clarifies that when the sheep are let out for counting they are let out one by one through a door too small to go out together.

We are all judged one by one and no man has anyone with him. Yet what determines who goes first?

When the gate is opened all the sheep rush to go out the door. It is obvious that it is only the strong and healthy sheep who dare to rally for a first position. The weak ones are too timid to even try.

Rabbi Yisrael Salanter explains that one's righteousness and good deeds gives them strength to push forward. Besides that, the sooner one is prepared the better their chance to be first. When a person truly repents it gives them tremendous energy and confidence which automatically pushes them up to the front of the line.

On the other hand, sins drags one down to the bottom of the barrel. It states at the end of Parshas Ki Saitzai, Devarim 25:17: You shall remember what Amalek did to you on the way, when you went out of Egypt. 25:18: How he happened upon you on the way and cut off all the weaklings at your back, when you were faint and weary and he did not fear God.

Rashi explains that the weaklings in the back we those who lacked strength on account of their sins. And because these Jews had sinned, the cloud of glory had expelled them thereby leaving them vulnerable to Amalek's further attack.

When a person sins their spiritual energy is depleted and they lose their self-confidence. Their self image is affected and they are in no position to stand ready for their dreadful court case.

So let's get to work! The sooner we repent the more energy and confidence we will have to be the first in line.

Shalom, Rabbi Mitterhoff, Shalom Shabbat!

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When a person sins their spiritual energy is depleted and they lose their self-confidence. Their self image is affected and they are in no position to stand ready for their dreadful court case.

Question: I read somewhere - it might even have been here in Global Yeshiva - that 'one should repent the day before one dies' and because one does not know what day one is to die, the logical conclusion to draw is that one is to repent every day - How does one do that?

Dov

Various ways, including the "S'lach Lanu" Blessing in the Amidah 3 times a day on weekdays, and the Tachanun prayers recited after the Amidah at Shacharis and Mincha on most weekdays.

Thank you Stephen!

Much appreciated - practical things are always easier to do. Thanks!

D.