A few weeks ago, a blogpost entitled The Images of Elul (http://www.chabadneworleans.com/templates/blog/post.asp?aid=1203266&PostID=48315&p=1), mentioned the idea that during the month of Elul G-d is on the campaign trail for another year as Sovereign of the Universe. I would like to share how the Torah presents this concept, with a twist, in the format of news headlines.
Decision 5775 – a collection of headlines on G-d’s campaign for another year as Melech Ha’olam.
“A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage” – finally a candidate Who can deliver on His campaign promises. – Leviticus, 26:3-5 – Where the Torah promises that if we do what Hashem wants of us, He will take care of our needs.
G-d’s Campaign Speech: “Give Me your vote so that We can achieve Our goals together.” Talmud Rosh Hashanah 16a – citing G-d as declaring “Recite the passages of Kingship before Me so that I may rule over you.”
G-d eschews the big endorsements. Looking for the little guy’s vote. - Chassidic discourse for Rosh Hashanah – Though G-d has the support of the souls of the righteous, it is the individual Jew whose commitment He seeks in completing the goals of creation.
G-d taking His campaign to the heartland to gain the support of farmers and laborers. – Maamer Ani L’dodi – The parable of the king in the field greeting even the simple folk with a smile and pleasant manner.
Certainly this represents only one side of the story. The other side is that we need to show that we are deserving of this Worthy Candidate. Election Day is one week away. On Rosh Hashanah it is going to be decided. Make you go to the polls and vote. We vote by hearing the sound of the Shofar. Doing so we remind G-d of the close relationship He had with our forefathers Abraham and Isaac. We remind G-d of Sinai - when we “took Him in” when no other nation wanted any part of His Torah. We remind ourselves of the necessity to “wake up” and improve our ways. We sound the Shofar as the coronation trumpets in honor of our King. Finally the Shofar is the voice of our soul – who yearns to be close again to Hashem.
Mazel Tov to Tulane alum, Amatzia Argentar upon his engagement to Chaya Shurpin.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, prosperous and meaningful new year of 5775.
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin