OK, so it is just days before Rosh Hashanah and we are all busy preparing. Some of us are in the kitchen cooking up a storm, others are in the store buying clothes, while others are working to pay the bills. The cantor is working on his songs and the rabbi on his sermon. Everyone is putting last-minute touches on their holiday preparations.
All of these preparations and responsibilities are important, but the most important preparation of all is readying ourselves spiritually so that when we come to the synagogue on Rosh Hashanah, we feel like we belong.
Interestingly enough, in this week’s Torah portion, Nitzavim, there is a verse that alludes to how we should prepare ourselves on a spiritual level. The verse reads, “G-d will ’circumcise‘ your heart and the heart of your children (which will enable you) to love G-d.” What does this verse mean? Clearly we are not physically circumcising our hearts, and why does circumcision enable us to love G-d?
In our efforts to improve ourselves, we need to first ask for forgiveness and to forgive. We have to let go of our past so that we can move forward. But what do we do after that? How do we reveal our inner power and potential? How do we grow beyond what is obviously achievable, to reach the greatest heights? To attain these goals, we need help.
You see, to become a better person there are two basic steps that need to be taken. First, you have to let go of your past. Second, you have to dig deep within yourself to reveal your true potential. For that step we ask for help. So G-d says, “I will circumcise your heart.” Circumcision is not just cutting off something that is unwanted; it also has the potential to reveal something that is hidden. G-d says, “I will help you reveal your potential.” Once that happens, we can come closer to loving G-d.
If we approach the holidays with a loving mode, our connection to G-d will be a loving one. After all, G-d wants our love more than our prayers.
Looking forward to an inspiring Rosh Hashanah.
Edited by https://geminiwordsmiths.com/