As we approach Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, when we crown Hashem as the ruler of the universe, I want to reflect on what it means to live as a Jew. While we often focus on the importance of dying as a Jew, I believe it's equally crucial to explore what it means to live like one.
The haftarah for the second day of Rosh Hashanah speaks of redemption, detailing how we will return to our ancient homeland of Israel and the wonders of the future Messianic age. It also explains why we will merit redemption and concludes with Hashem's love for us.
The secret of the haftarah lies in the powerful cry of Rachel, who weeps for her children. Her bitter tears move Hashem, who tells her that her children will return to their border. But why Rachel? Because she lived as a Jew.
Avraham was willing to sacrifice his son Yitzchak, and Yitzchak was willing to be sacrificed to die as a Jew, if Hashem desired. However, Rachel's story is different. When Yaacov and Rachel were to be married, Yaacov suspected that Laban, his future father-in-law, would deceive him by switching Rachel with her older sister Leah. Rachel and Yaacov prepared a secret signal to ensure that Yaacov would know it was truly Rachel. When Laban made the switch, Rachel realized that Leah would be embarrassed if discovered, so she gave her the signal. By doing so, Rachel sacrificed her own desires and happiness.
She gave up the man she loved and for the next 15 or so years, every time she saw Yaakov with Leah, she lived with the weight of that sacrifice. She could have been his only wife if he had married her first.
To live as a Jew is to make difficult decisions and live by those decisions every day, not begrudgingly, but with pride.
Hashem listens to Rachel not only because of her initial sacrifice but also because she continued to live with that sacrifice wholeheartedly, despite the personal cost.
I look forward to seeing you over Rosh Hashana. If you cannot join us at shul, please join us for Shofar in the Park on Thursday at 5:30 PM at Bynum Run.
May you be blessed with a good and sweet year.
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman