בתוך עמי אנכי יושבת

The story of the Prophet Elisha and the Shunamite woman, allegedly took place on Rosh Hashanah. The Shunamite, according to commentators, was the widow of the Prophet Ovadia. She prepared a special room for Elisha that had a bed, table, and lamp. On Rosh Hashanah, Elisha asked her if there was anything he could do for her, in order to show appreciation for her kindness. She answered, בתוך עמי אנוכי יושבת, “I dwell among my people.” The simple explanation was that she is fine and not in any need of assistance. The deeper answer was that her protection stems from her אהבת ישראל, that she consciously fulfills the Mitzva to love every Jew. This is a message of Rosh Hashanah that is not emphasized enough. We are meant to be in awe of the יום הדין, Day of Judgement. But a major component of receiving a favorable decree, is that we should begin our prayers with thoughts, concerns, and love for all of the Jewish people. We are one nation and, like the שונמית, we must fulfill, בתוך עמי אנכי יושבת.