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Count 40 13 Middos 1 The Profound Order of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur



We will now begin to learn the meaning behind the 13 Middos Harachamim and how we can grow through them
The Profound Order of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Modern psychology has recently "discovered" what Torah wisdom has always contained. Contemporary psychologists now understand that dwelling on past trauma does not promote healing. Instead, effective growth requires first focusing on goals, successes, and healthy lifestyle habits and emotions. Only after establishing this positive foundation should one address and come to terms with the past. Those who remain trapped in past trauma, hoping to change the future through regret alone, inevitably become stuck there.

This demonstrates how psychology may evolve and change, yet Torah truths and directives remain constant and are continually proven to hold eternal wisdom.

Rav Ashkenazi quotes Rav Jonathan Sacks's astounding question that perfectly illustrates this principle: Why does Yom Kippur follow Rosh Hashanah instead of preceding it? Logically, one might expect that we should first cleanse ourselves of sin before celebrating the New Year and proclaiming Hashem as King. Yet our tradition places the New Year celebration first, with the day of atonement following ten days later.

Rabbi Sacks z"l explains this meaningful sequence by echoing the psychological insight mentioned above. We must first experience the fresh start and renewal of Rosh Hashanah, with its hopes and prayers for the future. With refreshed spirits and inspiration, having committed ourselves to growth in the coming year, we can then approach Yom Kippur with the dignity and hope needed to properly address our past mistakes. The resolutions we make on Rosh Hashanah elevate us, creating the spiritual foundation necessary to acknowledge our sins and commit to meaningful improvement.

True teshuvah isn't about remaining trapped in past misdeeds. Rather, it involves honest evaluation, taking responsibility, understanding root causes, and making sincere commitments for the future—but only after we have established our hope and vision for what lies ahead.

The Tomer Devorah's author, Rav Moshe Cordovero (the Ramak), says: "It is proper for man to emulate his Creator. For what good is it for a person to reflect the Supreme One in physical form only if his deeds do not imitate those of his Creator? This is why it is proper that man's actions imitate the Thirteen Supreme Attributes of Mercy."















 Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash

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