Generally, a Jewish holiday’s theme and the emotions it evokes are pretty clear. Pesach is a celebration of our freedom, and on Shavuot, we rejoice in receiving the Torah. Tisha B’Av is a mournful day, while on Sukkot, we express our gratitude to Hashem for protecting us. On Chanukah and Purim, we feel triumphant recalling our victories and deliverance. But what about Rosh Hashanah? What is the primary emotion that the holiday is meant to inspire in us?
The Gemara in Masechet Rosh Hashanah states that on this day, all of mankind passes in front of Godlike “Bnei Maron.” But what exactly are Bnei Maron? The Gemara presents three interpretations: The first is “כבני אמרנא”—like a flock of sheep. The second interpretation is “כמעלות בית מרון”—like the steep ascent of Beit Maron. The third interpretation is “כחיילות בית דוד”—like the army of King David. What are these three images meant to convey?
The image of sheep is one of calm confidence. Sheep do not worry; they trust their shepherd to care for them. This suggests that on Rosh Hashanah, we too should feel confident, knowing that Hashem is our Shepherd and will protect us.
The steep mountain pass presents a starkly different image. As I ascend a perilous path, I dare not look down into the abyss. The mountain climber is not calm; he’s anxious. While the shepherd watches carefully over his sheep in the first image, where is Hashem in the mountain image? On Rosh Hashanah, we approach Hashem and the process of teshuva with a sense of personal responsibility. It’s up to each of us to confront our shortcomings on our own and make the necessary changes to avoid a perilous fate.
How, then, do we understand the image of King David’s army? Perhaps the Gemara presents this as the third interpretation to show that it doesn’t conflict with the previous two but instead synthesizes them. Soldiers in King David’s army were confident and unified, yet they remained acutely aware of the dangers of war and their individual responsibilities as soldiers. This provides us with an emotional roadmap for the Yamim Noraim. Rosh Hashanah is a holiday with a uniquely complex character: We approach Hashem with seriousness of purpose, knowing that much hangs in the balance, yet we also feel confident in His protection. The image of King David’s army captures this nuanced balance—and perhaps adds another layer.
A good friend recently pointed out to me that King David’s army reflects not just a blend of emotions but also a synthesis of values. Sheep move together as a flock—a community. When one ascends the mountain pass, however, it is an individual journey. Soldiers in King David’s army combine these ideals: they operate as a collective unit, but each soldier has his own purpose and responsibility. Each individual matters, but each one is also part of a greater community.
Rav Shagar highlights an interesting feature of “Unetaneh Tokef.” We declare that teshuva, tefillah and tzedakah can spare us from a harsh decree. Prayer and repentance directly address our misdeeds. But why is tzedakah, specifically, featured so prominently? In addition to being an act of chesed meant to evoke Hashem’s chesed, tzedakah demonstrates that I see myself as part of a community. Another person’s misfortune is my own, and by giving charity, I bind myself to others, affirming that we are all one family. Standing before Hashem as members of His beloved family is the most assured way we have to earn a healthy and successful new year.
So what is the theme of Rosh Hashanah? It is complex. It combines seemingly contradictory images. We don’t say Hallel, but we enjoy a festive meal. The shofar cries with a teruah, yet it also sings with a tekiah. Some holidays have more of a singular focus. On Sukkot, we are joyous. On Tisha B’Av, we are mournful. Rosh Hashanah recognizes the tension between conflicting themes: individual and community, dependence on Hashem and personal autonomy, fear and confidence. Two ideas can be true at the same time. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, it’s crucial to highlight these nuanced themes to our students. As we begin the year, we should understand that our lives are complicated; we contain conflicting emotions that create not contradictions but complexity. We pass before Hashem as “Bnei Maron”: We are sheep, we traverse a mountain path, and, ultimately, we are dedicated soldiers in Hashem’s army.
Rabbi Jonathan Kroll, a founding staff member at SAR High School, returned in 2019 as principal after six years as Head of School at Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida. He received his B.A. from Yeshiva College, his semicha from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, and an M.A. in secondary education from the Azrieli Graduate School.
