Similarly, on Rosh Hashana, we connect back to our root selves by remembering the Akeidah and other moments in Jewish history where our ancestors displayed unwavering faith and dedication to Hashem. By connecting to our collective past, we reinforce our connection to our root source and reaffirm our commitment to living a life aligned with our higher purpose.
Malchuyos
Malchuyos refers to the coronation of Hashem as King. Just as a king rules over his kingdom, Hashem rules over the entire universe. By crowning Hashem as King on Rosh Hashana, we acknowledge His ultimate authority and sovereignty over all aspects of our lives.
When we declare Hashem as King, we are not just recognizing His kingship in a theoretical sense; we are actively choosing to submit ourselves to His will and guidance. This act of surrendering to Hashem’s authority is a powerful form of teshuva, as it requires us to align our actions and intentions with His divine plan for us.
In conclusion, the three themes of Shofaros, Zichronos, and Malchuyos in the Rosh Hashana tefillah mirror the three stages of genuine teshuva. By engaging with these themes during the High Holidays, we have the opportunity to elevate ourselves and return to our true and higher selves, ultimately strengthening our connection to Hashem and reaffirming our commitment to living a life of purpose and meaning.
May this Rosh Hashana be a time of reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth for all of us. Shanah Tovah!
Regenerate At the Akeidah, Yitzchak rooted himself beyond space and time while still living within it. On Rosh Hashana, we remember this; we tap into our unique nature as Klal Yisrael, a nation that transcends this world while paradoxically living fully within it. The root of our ability to do so stems from Yitzchak and the Akeidah.
Malchuyos
On Rosh Hashana, we crown Hashem as our Melech. We declare Hashem to be the source of everything, our ultimate root. This is our mission in this world – to become a walking kiddush Hashem, fully connecting ourselves back to Hashem, our Creator. It is for this reason that we don’t mention vidui or any of our sins on Rosh Hashana. Our singular goal on this day is to source ourselves back to Hashem, crown Him as our King, and root ourselves within reality, connected to Hashem. [On Yom Kippur, we focus on the details of our past year and the quality of our upcoming year. On Rosh Hashana, however, our goal is simply to root ourselves within reality, connecting ourselves to Hashem, our Melech. Before we discuss the quality and nature of our existence (Yom Kippur), we need to ensure that we exist in the first place (Rosh Hashana).]
Our Three-Stage Ascension
While all three of these themes are connected to all three forms of teshuva, Shofaros most deeply reflects our individual teshuva; Zichronos most deeply reflects our collective teshuva; and Malchuyos most deeply reflects our ultimate teshuva, sourcing ourselves back to Hashem Himself. May we be inspired to fully actualize all three forms of teshuvah this Rosh Hashana and seal ourselves in the book of life, the book of true existence.