Q&A: Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah
Question
Rabbi Dessler has an interpretation of Rosh Hashanah: since we were told that this is the day on which we stand in judgment, people naturally pray more seriously, and therefore they can accomplish more through prayer; so it is, accordingly, a day that can bring about greater change. This fits his view of the “point of choice” and of the Day of Judgment as relating to a more general point. In very brief, I assume you know it.
I would be glad to hear what you think of this explanation.
(I’m asking based on your view that prayer includes a dimension of requests aimed at having one’s wishes granted.)
Answer
My view is that nobody has any ability to know when prayer makes any difference at all, whether more or less.
Discussion on Answer
Does the Rabbi think that prayers can have an effect? And what about charity and repentance? Or commandments—say, acts of kindness?
I’ve written about this here more than once. As for reward and punishment in the World to Come, I’m not qualified to say. In this world, I’m very doubtful about it (as part of my general approach regarding divine involvement altogether). I’m not even sure whether Rosh Hashanah really is a Day of Judgment.
I didn’t understand.
Assuming prayers are accepted, then it stands to reason that the more intent a person puts into his prayer, the more it is answered.
It’s simple logic—why would I need a verse for it? Unless someone actually knows.