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Sound Bites: Jacob's Voice |
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 He will choose our heritage for us, the pride of Yaakov that He loves eternally. (Rosh Hashana Prayers) Undoubtedly it is our pride in this inner voice which is never spurned by Hashem – the pride of Yaakov, in the Psalmist’s
expression – over which Yaakov prided himself. Tosafos observed (Rosh Hashanah 26a, that those who blow the shofar generally take pride in this activity; in light of the above, we can suggest that this refers not just to the satisfaction of producing a sharp and clear sound, but also to the pride we take in being the sole nation to possess such a potent weapon as the shofar, Yaakov’s wordless voice.
What is more, this legacy last forever, as the Psalmist concludes, that He loved eternally. Whereas Esav’s wily importunings could evoke Yitzchak’s love only temporarily, Yaakov’s legacy, the voice in which he had such pride, is capable of engendering an everlasting love.
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One of the higher of the high points of Yomim Nora'im davenning is during the "U'N'tahneh Tokef" will our (personal/nation)fortunes be to the good or lesser in the upcoming year ===> and the congregation comes to a crescendo "u'T'shuvah u'T'fillah u'Tz'dakah ma'avirin et ro'a ha'g'zeirah"-However,Return,Prayer and Charity can provide passage beyond the evil of the decree.
Above these 3 protectors, one finds printed in many makhzorim the following words (in small print) 'Tzom''Kol''Mamone'==>The numerics of these are all 136 and are perhaps hints at certain characteristics of Yisrael, that we inherited from Ya'akov Avinu, to be introspective, lift up our eyes to The One Above in prayer and to use our G-d given material wellbeing in service of G-d and compassion for others.
Ya'akov, the culmination of the Avot, signifies unity before G-d, as finally, all his progeny continued in the path of Holiness in service of G-d.
The secret of Ahm Yisroel's salvation from Haman was Esther's imperative to Mordechai "Leich, CNOS et col haY'hudim..." CNOS numerically is also 136; 'revive that quality of Ya'akov Avinu==> Unify the people'.
When we hear the KOL of the the Shofar let us all resolve to strive for the unity of the Jewish People, to restore our Oneness with each other and ultimately of Ahm Yisrael with G-d.