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This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe. This time, the topic is about Rosh Hashana, starting this Friday evening.

Rosh Hashanah- Returning to the Source of Creation

In Rosh Hashanah, all the life energy of the entire universe undergoes a big reset and renewal, a new light that has never been before in the world, comes down after Israel blows on the shofar. On this day, God completed all the acts of Genesis, for six days. On the sixth day, creation was completed with the creation of the first man, and that day was Rosh Hashanah. Just as the human head activates the entire body, so on Rosh Hashanah everything that will happen during the year is determined.
It is also the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. Right after their creation on the first Rosh Hashanah, they were commanded to observe six laws. These are the six laws that Adam was commanded:

Idolatry: Not to worship idols.

Blasphemy: This law prohibits dishonoring the name of G-d.

Murder: Not taking human life.

Theft: Not stealing another person’s property.

Adultery and incest: To avoid immoral behavior.

The establishment of a legal system.

The seventh law was given to Noah after the flood: Not eating the flesh of a living animal.

In other words, the seven laws include:

1. Knowledge of the Oneness of G-d. To learn about the infinite divine unity of G-d
2. To worship and respect G-d’s holy name.
3. Respect the sanctity of human life.
4. Respect the rules of the traditional family and live according to them.
5. Respect others’ property.
6. Respect all creatures.
7. Establish a judicial system

Noahides are not allowed to observe Shabbat or Jewish holidays in the same halachic manner as Jews do. However, it is permitted for Gentiles to recite psalms, which apparently, could be beneficial in Rosh Hashanah.

The story of Adam primarily focuses on his role as the first human being in the Garden of Eden and right in the beginning he was given six out of seven commandments (Adam was not permitted to eat the flesh of animals). The purpose is to create a dwelling place for G-d. This is the role of our generation, to complete this mission and bring about redemption and the revelation of Moshiach by fulfilling the 7 Noahide laws.

UnsplashのIgal Nessが撮影した写真

This is an article by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe. This time, we will discuss the upcoming Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana.

Why No Parties Are Celebrated on Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holidays (Sept. 16-17) . It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, and a day of judgment and coronation of G‑d as king. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the universe undergoes a kind of reset, where the energy of life is reduced to a minimal state. Mankind and all creatures in the world are judged by Heaven on this day. This is why we don’t celebrate this holiday with extroverted parties. When there is judgment, it’s a time of fear. However, there is a joyous aspect on that holiday, as this is a time of accepting the kingship of Hashem.

Rosh Hashanah is a profound and significant moment in which the universe and time itself are renewed. It’s a time for introspection and the coronation of the king of kings. It encourages individuals to let go of their ego and open up to the coronation associated with this holiday.

This day marks the beginning of the High Holy Days. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and self-renewal. It’s a time when a new cycle of creation and renewal begins. On this holiday, the entire year’s abundance is given to the whole creation and each creature as well. The renewed individual bond of our soul happens with the king’s coronation.

A key subject associated with Rosh Hashanah is to “make yourself small.” This means humbling oneself and recognizing that there is something greater and more significant than one’s own ego or desires. By doing so, one can open up to the unlimited and connect with G-d. The Zohar says: Make yourself big, and you can’t contain anything; make yourself small, and you can contain the unlimited.

For every Noahide, man, and woman, this day has a huge significance. Therefore, making proactive decisions regarding adding to the observance of the 7 commandments could benefit the entire year.

This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe. This time, it is about Parashat Ki Tavo.

Ki Tavo- curses and blessings

In our Torah portion, we find the “curses and blessings”. Each curse is associated with a specific action that goes against G-d’s command. On the other hand, there are many blessings when we fulfill G-d’s will. In these verses, also many Noahide laws are expressed.

Idol worship: Condemning the creation and worship of idols or images. Such actions are considered an abomination as they stray from the belief in one G-d.

Not to steal: Moving a neighbor’s landmark would unjustly change property boundaries. It relates to the prohibition of stealing land. The prohibition against stealing land applies to all individuals. This prohibition is even more severe in the land of Israel where stealing land from Jews is subject to harsh punishment according to Torah law. The land of Israel holds a special place as the Promised Land, given by G-d to the Israelites. This land is a divine inheritance and a sacred place.

Establishing courts of justice. Avoiding distorting justice and fair judgment for vulnerable individuals.

In each case, the curse is directed at actions that undermine the principles of justice that are integral to a moral and just society.

Adultery: Engaging in incestuous relationships, specifically with one’s father’s wife.

Engaging in bestiality, lying with animals.

Committing incest with sisters, from the mother’s side.

These acts represent various forms of sexual misconduct, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy and appropriate relationships within families and communities.

Only by following the 7 Noahide laws can ensure the path of righteousness and the significance of living in accordance with G-d’s laws and making vessels to accept the blessings of Hashem. Following the Noahide Code is all about opening ourselves up to blessings. Just as a vessel must be clean and well-prepared to hold precious liquid, this way we attract blessings into our lives. This way, we can harness the infinite impact of the Noahide laws to shape a brighter future for humanity and bring about the redemption.

Happy new month 🍷

Last Friday, we started the month of Elul – the month of mercy and forgiveness.

It is customary to hear the blowing of a shofar every day, which awakens the heart to return to G-d and to repent the negative actions of the past year.

This Shabbat Ekev we celebrate the 7th anniversary of Chabad Kyoto.
It is the first and only Jewish synagogue in Kyoto.

Chabad Kyoto has been super active providing many services to local Jews and Japanese people, and for the many tourists that come throughout the year.

Thousands of guests have participated in Shabbat prayers and meals, joyous festivals and events, Bar Mitzvahs, Weddings, Chanuka and Purim parties, and many community celebrations.

Chabad Kyoto organize fun and educational activities for kids and Torah classes for adults and classes for Japanese on the Seven Noahide laws.

Chabad Kyoto is a home for students from overseas, for families working in Kyoto, and any person looking for community and connection. Weekly house visits and care packages are distributed on a constant basics.

We need your help, especially now with the great influx of tourists, to be able to provide our services and assistance to everyone and to further establish our community.

We have many good news that we would like to share with you, coming up on the next few weeks.
Please keep your eyes on the upcoming posts of Chabad Kyoto.

Donation to Chabad Kyoto: https://www.chabadkyoto.com/donate

About today, the 15th of Av:

Today is the 15th of Menachem Av. It is a very joyous and auspicious day. Several great events happened on this day.
1- People who sinned in the sin of the spies in the desert, were destined to die and not enter the Holy land. On this day, the people stopped dying. This was a great joy to all.

2- On this day young Jewish men would go out and choose a righteous woman to marry. The women would purposely all wear similar clothing to emphasize that what is important is the good character of the person and not the outside. The marriages were a great joy to all.

3- Around the time of the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, the Roman emperor, cruelly killed out all the Jewish people in the city of Beitar, which was a stronghold of Jewish fighters. Not only did he mercilessly kill them, he did not allow them to be buried, the men, women and children. Fourteen years later, on this day, the Jews were allowed to bury them which was a great comfort. A blessing was added in the Grace after meal, which we say to this day.

The opening of Chabad Kyoto 7 years ago. Installation of Mezuzah.

Rabbi Moti & Rabbanit Libi Grumach of Chabad Kyoto and their children, currently in their 5th year of the administration, in front of full of Sakura blossoms near Chabad Kyoto.