Are We Men Or Are We Sheep ?

בס"ד

The Mishna in tractate Rosh Hashanna mentions that in the heavenly judgment we pass before G-d "like b'nei maron". The Gemara [Rosh Hashanna 18a] asks what the meaning of this unique phrase is – and answers with three possibilities.

One - sheep. Two – those who pass through a narrow winding staircase. Three – the soldiers of Dovid Hamelech's army.

While explanations two and three refer to people and even sound a mild chord of comprehension, explanation one is particularly perplexing. We may be seen individually – like those climbing a steep and narrow staircase – and we may be judged on our willingness to put our life on the line for the glory of Hashem – like good soldiers should. But why sheep ? A sheep is not responsible for his actions – he doesn't have the capability to choose good over evil.

Because a sheep is the ultimate example of an animal that is led.

We are really sheep. We are constantly being influenced and led in all different directions. If, in fact, we are led – then what remains as a fair criterion of judgment ? We aren't responsible for our actions – since they are the product of those forces that lead us – not our independent thoughts.

But as opposed to sheep – we choose our influences. Yes, we are led – but we choose the lead we wish to follow.

And that is exactly what we are judged on. Not necessarily our end-product actions – but our primary choices. The choice we make before the influence becomes all pervasive – the choice to allow this influence admission into our lives.

May we, and all of klal yisrael, make only proper choices. May we focus ourselves only on influences that will bring us closer to the Ribbonno Shel Olam and His mission for us in this world.

Wishing all a Happy, Sweet, and Torah-full year.

Hatzlacha !!