Sane moments Vs Millennium Madness

The nearing approach of the Year 2000 is driving people mad.

It was only recently that the mere mention of the year 2000 signaled trouble. People were frightened, worried and anxious that the Y2K bug would creep into their computers and communications. However, now that technical trouble-shooters seem to have the glitch resolved, the prevailing mood has shifted from crisis to celebration, as the millennium fanfare lunges ahead on its merry way.

People look forward to balls that will be dropping, balloons to be popping and gizmos to be zipping, as entrepreneurs and entertainers prepare to cash in on this rare occasion.

Count-ing down to the big celebration, New Year's typical splashing of bubbly, confetti and drinking to oblivion is being magnified by the millennium.

Travelers are falling all over themselves to find out where is the right place to be, as excitement mounts and expectations rise for the mother of all parties and the biggest bash ever. People are being swept into major extravaganzas and unprecedented merry making to celebrate the day when '99 turns into a double zero.

The rapid swirl of events and wild gyrations of the surrounding frenzy make us want to grasp unto a Lamppost and hold on for dear life. Fortunately, that steady and unwavering beacon of Judaism stands out there for us, for to quote the High Holiday prayers: "G‑d is my Light and Salvation, from whom shall I fear..." Its brightness shines forth and illuminates the darkness, for "a Mitzvah is a candle, and the Torah is light." (Proverbs)

It is against the background of all this noise and wild hoopla that the Jewish community is about to begin its New Year 5760 with calm and dignity.

Actually, the civil New Year and the Jewish Rosh Hashanah are thousands of light years apart, and having very little in common.

Comparing the two may help us appreciate the differences. Now, more than ever, let us use this unique opportunity to reflect on the special significance and unique character of our Rosh Hashanah observances.

Jewish tradition refers to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as "Days of Awe." They are days of spiritual renewal and improvement. It is a time for serious introspection and soul searching, and mending the relationships between us and G‑d, and our fellows.

In contrast to New Year's silly whistles, party blowers and noisemakers; the piercing sound and haunting call of the Shofar summons us to repentance and reflection.

Let us listen carefully to the Shofar's call and internalize its   message to set the tone for the year. As Maimonides states, the Shofar exclaims: "Awaken, you sleepers, and arise from your slumber! Examine your deeds, repent, and remember your Creator, you who forget the truth amid the passing vanities, dwelling in vanity and emptiness that accomplish no good. Search your souls, improve your ways and actions..." (Laws of Teshuvah 3:3).

Not that Judaism misses out on the fun. Indeed, right after Yom Kippur we celebrate the joyous seven-day festival of Sukkot, about which the Talmud says; "He who has not seen this Simcha joy, has never experienced any joy in his life." That leads up to and concludes with the grand finale of the boundless Simchat Torah rejoicing, lively dancing and singing. What makes Jewish holiday celebrations so meaningful is that our feasting follows the fasting, and our festive celebrations blend with prayer and thanksgiving. That makes the whole difference between partying for partying sake, and pure mitzvah partying that is refined, full of meaning, good taste and purpose.

May we all be inscribed this Rosh Hashanah for a truly good new year that lasts for a whole year, rather than a new year of cheap thrills and silly titillation that last for only a day.