Monday, September 29, 2008

Turnabout IS fair play !

So why do we blow 100 blasts ? To confuse the Satan. [see Gemara Rosh HaShanna 16b]

How exactly do we confuse the master of confusion himself ? After all, we don't intend to sin - usually. It's just that the satan manages to sufficiently befuddle our mind. He weaves promises of success, redemption or salvation that seem more real to us at the time of the sin than the real promises that Hashem has given us if we do his commandments - that's why we sinned in the first place ! So how do we turn the tables on him ?

By charging down the door of the courtroom.

When we have done wrong, the last thing we are anxious to do is get called on it. We are guilty - why suffer through the ignonimity of being reprimanded. It's not like a court case where I believe I can win - in those I'll be eager to get there - to see justice done ( my justice, of course ). But here, I am guilty - so, no hurry, I know what's coming - a reprimand that will usually leave me speechless. I have no defense.

It is specifically this head-hanging, shamefaced posture that the Satan ( who is also G-d's DA and chief prosecuter ) loves to exploit. He'll grandstand and proclaim your guilt, and what's worse, your attempts at evasion of justice. But if we charge down the courtroom door - if we summon the crowds and bang the gavel ourselves ( the blowing of the shofar resembles both ) the Satan is left without his great speech. And Hashem is able to listen to the angel for the defense and judge us favorably.

May we all merit a favorable judgment and have a year filled with only blessing and sweetness in our service of G-D, Amen.

Hatzlacha !!

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