I have always wondered why S’lichos, which we say before and after Rosh HaShanah each morning, has very little to do with asking for forgiveness. It has more to do with expressing our anguish at being oppressed by non-Jews over the centuries. I do not have a great explanation, but I think it is reasonable to say that if we realize how uniquely we are treated in this world, it will inspire us to a certain closeness to Hashem, which is what these Days of Awe are all about.
What I find striking is that the S’lichos, in very poetic and sometimes cryptic fashion, documents our suffering at the hands of Ishmaelites and Edomites alike. For example, on the second day, s’lichah number 7, it states, “Destroy the goat and its in-law.” The commentaries explain that the goat symbolized Esau (Edom) and Esau’s wife Machlas, the daughter of Ishmael (B’reishis 28:9).
It is amazing how the author understands the universal nature of the hatred of Jews: from all religions, all political persuasions, and all social strata.
Allow this brief thought. Toward the end of s’lichah number 82, recited on the fourth day of the Ten Days of Repentance (titled Shalom...Peace), the author writes: They (the nations of the world) have conspired against me. They call for peace, yet they bite me instead.
We have lived this entire state of affairs the past year. Ishmael attacked us and Edom gave them worldwide tactical support, including, or especially, the United Nations. The politicians still clamor for a destructive ceasefire and a long-range plan of two states that would spell disaster for Israel and the Jewish people. If October 7 didn’t prove that, nothing will.
Baruch Hashem, we have seen G-d’s Chosen successfully eradicate the heads of the snake, although we all know that there are plenty of snakes where they come from. We must also express our gratitude to the Biden administration for reacting to the latest successful anti-terror campaigns by Israel with support. Hopefully, that measure of support will not dissipate as it did last year.
Let us pray that this year, indeed, we will be like the symbols we place at the Rosh HaShanah table, “as the head and not the tail.” Let’s daven that the horrific state of war comes to a quick and successful end. May we see all the remaining hostages be returned home safely. Amen.
Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld is the Rabbi Emeritus of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, President of the Coalition for Jewish Values, former President of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, and the Rabbinic Consultant for the Queens Jewish Link.
