I remember thinking, as a kid, that being an adult would be the BEST!

I mean, ice cream whenever I felt like it? No official bedtime? How cool to be IN CHARGE of everything?

Many of us love the idea of being in charge…so much so, that we forget that our power is limited…

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One of the key themes of Rosh Hashanah is “crowning G-d king.”

We remind ourselves, again and again, that G-d is in charge of the world.

But wait, is this really such a novel idea? Why do we need to repeat it so many times during the special Rosh Hashanah prayers?

One of the reasons? 

If G-d is king…then I am not. 

We need this reminder, because we all like to be in control. We like to make plans, and think: things are going to work out the way I want. Does it always happen this way? No. And recognizing that really can bring a sense of peace into our lives.

As I like to say to my students: “We do our best, and Hashem does the rest”.

Make the effort, and realize that the end result is not in your hands. 

When we go into the year truly understanding that G-d runs the show, it gives us a real sense of serenity. We can say to ourselves: “I’m going to try my best; I’m going to pray for the things that I think are important, but ultimately, G-d is in charge. And He loves me and he wants what’s best for me. 

If my plans succeed? Good.

If not? Also good.

G-d is King and he knows how things are supposed to go — he knows what is for the best. 

Rav Shimshon Pincus says that G-d is “not a vending machine.”

With a vending machine, you put money in, select your preference (for example, Sprite). If it doesn’t come out, you get frustrated. 

We may come to Rosh Hashanah with a big list of what we want. We pray, and ask for  our preferences. What happens if we don’t get what we want? We also get frustrated. 

Perhaps a perspective shift is needed; for example: “G-d, I want to do good in your world. And these are the tools that I think will help me best do good in the world. I know you are king, and that you love me, and I know that whatever you give me – or not – is because you love me. If I don’t get what I want, it’s for the best.” 

The Chazon Ish says, the only reason that we don’t get what we want is when G-d has something better in mind for us. To be fair, It doesn’t always FEEL better. It means that G-d – who loves me – doesn’t agree that this is the best thing for me right now. There is a bigger plan and there is something better for me. 

We want to go in with the attitude that:

• G-d loves me
• He wants to take care of me
• I am excited to have him close at this time

At the end of the day, whether we’re kids or adults, we are not the king…so remember who is truly running the show!

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova,

Danielle Altonaga and the JET Team