A Thought on Rosh Hashanah
There is a custom that we observe on Rosh Hashanah called Tashlich, where we "throw" our sins into the river for atonement. When you first hear about it, it might seem unusual or even eccentric, but there is a deeper
significance behind this tradition. In a book by Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Schechter, I discovered that Tashlich serves as a reminder of Akedat Itzchak, when Avraham Avinu prepared to sacrifice his son. It offers us an opportunity to submit ourselves to Hashem's will and tap into the power of prayer and repentance. The primary purpose of Tashlich is to pray and acknowledge that Hashem is the King and Ruler of the entire World.
The Arizal stated that Tashlich should be performed after mincha and before shekia on Rosh Hashanah. It is known that in heaven, the first half of the day of Rosh Hashanah is a time of kindness, while the second half is a time of judgment. So why did the Arizal recommend performing Tashlich during the second half of the day?
The Midrash recounts the first day of man in the garden of Eden. Adam was forgiven for eating from the tree of knowledge during the 12th hour. Perhaps this is why the Arizal advised doing Tashlich after mincha, just before shekia, specifically during the 12th hour, as it is a time of Ratzon (favorable
divine will).
All our traditions have their roots in mystical sources. Those who only participate in Tashlich because it's a customary practice or merely to symbolically cast away their sins miss out on an incredible opportunity to connect with Hashem on a much deeper
level.
Written by Yehuda B.
