Unetana Tokef

One of the most impressive prayers of the High Holiday prayers, is ונתנה תוקף. This is the very emotional prayer where the question is asked, “Who will live and who will die?”

In order to emphasize the severity of the day, the question asked, becomes more specific. “Who will pass away by water or fire. Who by famine or plague. Who by strangulation or stoning. Who will be rich and who will be poor. Who will have a tranquil year, and who will have a year of suffering.

Rosh Hashanah is an extremely important day in the Jewish calendar. There is so much being decided as to our fate. The Rabbis tell us that the amount of money we will earn during the coming year, is decided on Rosh Hashanah.

Am Yisrael has gone through a very trying year in 5785. We witnessed incredible miracles, but we were in a war. Many of our loved ones perished this year.

We should know by now that we have no one to turn to, but Hashem. At this time, He is reaching out to us, and asking us to be close to Him.

We must focus on the end of the “Unetana Tokef” and shout with great fervor, “Teshuva, Tefilla, and Tzedaka, can remove the evil decree.” Repentance, prayer, and charity, can shake up the heavens, and guarantee that we will see only the blessings.

There is more in our hands than we realize. Let this Rosh Hashanah be one of spiritual elevation and great things for our families and all of the Jewish people. May we be written and inscribed for a good year!