G‑d's Partnership with Mankind
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year will begin on Friday night, September 29th. For Jews it will mark the year 5761 since the creation.
In the Bible we are told the story of creation, how G‑d created the world in six days. When studying creation we realize that the last creation was man. He was created last on the sixth day. It's interesting to note that the Jewish New Year celebration does not really mark the creation of the world at all. It marks the creation of man. Indeed, why doesn't the Jewish New Year, begin on the first day of creation? Why does the creation of the world take second place to the creation of man?
According to the mystical teaching of Kabbala, the only reason for creation is to give man a chance of being a partner in G‑d's world. As the Bible states: Man is created in G‑d's image. In order for man to be a good partner he needs all the resources of the world. Therefore, G‑d created the complete world and only then did he create man, his partner, giving him the opportunity to choose as he pleases.
In creation there are four distinct worlds or orders: The first is mineral (inorganic) followed by, vegetative, animal, and man - humankind. Each creation has a divine soul or spark. Each created separate world compliments the one above and the one below. Their relationship is symbiotic, mutually enriching. As one world enters the other it achieves full enrichment and purpose. For example, the animal eating the grass which used the mineral world for growth now becomes animal. When eaten by man it once again moves up a level. In Kabbala this act is called transcendence. The worlds are not sacrificed, but rather uplifted. A passage for the soul or spark of the created being to a higher world. This is true of all worlds including mankind. When each world feeds a higher one it is fulfilling a divine mission. Man, the highest of all the worlds, is to be productive.
Kabbala also explains that whatever man needs most G‑d provides for free or with little effort. Man needs air, water and bread. Sadly, of the two, man has polluted the air and water. This, of course, cannot continue for it defeats the purpose of creation. Man is to work in keeping the creations in a healthy balance. By providing humanity with courts of justice, practicing respect for all forms of life whether inorganic, animal, or man then all elements are preserved, their purpose being fulfilled.
On the New Year the Almighty renews the vitality - life force - for the world.
Now if man does good, in order to better the world, G‑d is happy with creation. Then man is considered a great partner. Unfortunately man has not always performed to G‑d's expectations. There are times that man has been a bad partner, abusing the trust given to him.
So once a year G‑d checks the account and sees if there is an equal partnership taking place. This day, Rosh Hashanah, the books are examined, accountability questions are asked. Have you used your partnership in a good way? G‑d seems to be saying I created the entire world for you so you would find everything you would need for a partnership - now what have you done?
Therefore, once a year all mankind is asked to renew their partnership. Recognize your potential and make your year better than the last. Repent for your past misdeeds and resolve to do only good. Do it in a happy fashion by going to synagogue, having a kiddush, family meal and dipping your challa, bread and apple in honey - the symbol of a sweet New Year.
Remember, the Jewish people do not have a monopoly on celebrating the birthday of mankind. I suggest that all of us celebrate this event, the birth of man, by allowing G‑d to enter the hearts and homes of all of us. So on Friday night, September 29th, the New Year, dip some apple in honey and renew your partnership with G‑d.