(Courtesy of Sharpen Up 365) As many may be familiar, there is a well-known minhag of having a fresh, sharp knife in preparation for Rosh Hashanah. Whether it involves buying a new knife or having an old one sharpened, this practice carries profound significance and deep meaning. Rooted in Chasidus, this minhag is intricately connected to the themes of parnassa and spiritual preparation, which are central to the Yamim Noraim. By participating in this tradition, we align our physical preparations with our spiritual aspirations for the new year.
Where Does the Minhag Stem From?
In Yiddishkeit, a knife is far more than just a kitchen tool; it carries deep symbolic significance. Besides being a central part of Avodah within Yiddishkeit between shechita, milah and korbanot, the connection between a knife and parnassa is rooted in the sod of Torah, particularly in the kavanos behind the tefillos of Rosh Hashanah. The Hebrew word “chatach,” meaning “cut,” is associated with the malach Chatach, who is believed to be responsible for overseeing matters of parnassa. This connection is brought to light in the pasuk from Tehillim 145:16, “Poseach es yadecha,” where the sofei teivos (the final letters of the words) combine to form the word “chatach.” The word that follows, “u’masbe’a” (“and satisfy”), has a gematria of 428, the same as “chatach.” This interplay of osiyos (letters) and gematria teaches us that a new, sharp knife can be a segula for a year filled with shefa and bracha.
Moreover, the act of chatach itself is seen as a mashal for making precise, deliberate decisions in avodat Hashem. Just as a knife is used to cut and shape, this minhag reflects the desire to shape one’s mazal in the coming year. By engaging in this practice, Yidden symbolically express their kavana to “cut away” any barriers that might obstruct their path to hatzlacha, aligning themselves with the divine shefa of brachos and sustenance.
This minhag is mentioned by several Chasidishe rebbes, including the Zidichover Rebbe, Reb Yitzchok Eizik of Zidichoiv, zt”l (1805-1873), and the Lubliner Rebbe, Reb Yehuda Meir Shapiro, zt”l (1887-1933). These tzadikim highlighted the deep spiritual connection between the act of cutting and the heavenly allocation of parnassa.
Having a Sharp Knife Is Not Easy…
For many, maintaining a sharp knife can be a real challenge. It’s not just about having the right tools—it takes knowledge, skill, and a careful hand to sharpen a knife properly at home. In the search for an easier solution, many people turn to handheld knife sharpeners, thinking they offer a quick fix. But what they don’t realize is that these gadgets often do more harm than good.
Off-the-shelf handheld two- or three-stage sharpeners might seem convenient, but they’re essentially the fast food of knife maintenance—quick and easy, but ultimately damaging. These devices are like blunt instruments that aggressively scrape away your blade’s precious metal, leaving behind a rough, uneven edge that dulls quickly. They lack the finesse and precision your knives deserve, often grinding down the blade at the wrong angle, which can ruin the cutting edge entirely. What you’re left with is a knife that’s a shadow of its former self—less sharp, less durable, and more prone to chipping. If you care about the longevity and performance of your knives, these sharpeners are best left on the shelf.
How to Properly Sharpen a Knife?
Sharpening stones, or whetstones, offer unmatched precision and control, allowing you to sharpen your knives to a razor-sharp edge without compromising the blade’s integrity. Unlike handheld sharpeners, which grind away metal indiscriminately, a sharpening stone allows you to work at the correct angle, preserving the knife’s original bevel and extending its lifespan.
Using a sharpening stone might seem intimidating at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes a rewarding skill. The process is not only more gentle on your knives but also more customizable. You can choose the coarseness of the stone based on your knife’s condition—starting with a coarser grit for dull or damaged blades and finishing with a finer grit for polishing the edge to perfection.
What About Kashrut?
When it comes to sharpening knives, ensuring that the tools used adhere to kashrut requires careful attention. The primary concern is whether the sharpening process could inadvertently cause a knife to become treif if one is not being careful.
For those using sharpening stones, the kashrut implications depend on whether the stone is used wet or dry. Wet stones, which are used with water, help keep the blade cool and reduce the risk of heat buildup. This is crucial because excessive heat can cause the stone to transfer absorbed residues from previous use, potentially rendering the knife non-kosher if the stone has been used for both meat (fleishig) and dairy (milchig).
In contrast, dry stone methods that generate significant heat might carry a higher risk of cross-contamination. If a sharpening tool has been used for both meat and dairy without proper kashering, there is a risk that the knife could become treif.
To address these concerns, there are generally two solutions:
- Use Separate Sharpening Tools: One effective approach is to maintain separate sharpening tools for meat and dairy knives. This ensures that there is no possibility of cross-contamination, as each knife is sharpened with equipment dedicated to its respective category.
- Kasher the Knife: If separate tools are not an option, another approach is to allow the knife to become treif during the sharpening process and then kasher it afterward. This involves following specific halachic procedures to purify the knife, restoring its kosher status.
When it comes to anything related to kashrut, it’s always best to consult with your local rabbi. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances and ensure that your practices align with halachic requirements.
Finally, Kosher Knife-Sharpening Delivered to Your Doorstep!
At Sharpen Up 365—Professional Knife Sharpening by Mail—we take the worry out of knife sharpening and its associated challenges. We don’t just sharpen knives—we guarantee they’re sharper than the day you bought them! Proudly kosher certified and serving the entire continental United States, our mail-in sharpening service is both convenient and reliable. Whether you’re sending a single challah knife or an entire collection, rest assured that your knives are fully insured during transit, providing you with peace of mind.
How to Order?
Ordering is simple: visit www.sharpenup365.com to place your order in just a few clicks, or call us at 845-275-3993. Use code JEWISHLINK15 for 15% OFF your purchase.
As you prepare for the new year, trust that your knives are in the hands of professionals who value precision and tradition as much as you do.
Ksivah V’chasimah Tovah. Wishing you a happy and sweet new year!
Sharpen Up 365: Convenient. Quick. Reliable.
