G-d is King

The major theme of Rosh Hashanah is that we be aware that G-d is המלך, the true King of Israel and the world. The word, “מלך” is repeated numerous times in the prayers for Rosh Hashanah.

We are meant to be grateful that we are given these holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as days of forgiveness and atonement. But it is essential that we realize who is running things. If we don’t accept that we are accountable to a higher being, then the need for repentance is diminished.

This is why we do not actually confess our sins until Yom Kippur. We first need to reinforce in our minds how small and insignificant we are in comparison to the awesome power of the King.

The Shacharit prayer begins with the word, “המלך” instead of the usual שוכן עד. We have a special Mussaf service on Rosh Hashanah has three sections: מלכיות, זכרונות, ושופרות.

The first section of מלכיות has ten verses from Tanach, describing how Hashem is King, and how the day will come, when all the world will acknowledge the kingdom of Hashem.

First we hail to the great King on Rosh Hashanah. And on Yom Kippur, we request that He forgive and spare us, and grant us a happy new year. Shana Tova to all, and may you be written and inscribed for a good year.