Rosh Hashana 5770/2009 - Jewish Infertility

Letter from the Editor
Although we know that in the bygone months we made
mistakes and sometimes slipped up, Hashem grants us the
gift of a second chance.
handicapped. Its wings will not be strong enough to carry its
weight, for the act of securing its freedom strengthens its
muscles. A merciful act on our part would result in the ultimate
manifestation of cruelty.
Each of us is encased in our unique, tailor-made cocoons.
Personal challenges, hurdles and obstacles surround us, interspersed
with flashes of inspiration and insight. Hashem
places us inside these cocoons, urging us to strengthen our
muscles by beating furiously against the protective walls. Do
we understand the beauty inherent in our existence The
road to growth has been mapped out clearly for our benefit.
What lies in our hands is the ability to choose – a premature
release or the promise of a fortified future. Although we cannot
decide when our challenges will be resolved, we can view
them in the proper perspective. These are our strength-training
exercises; our opportunity to fortify our spiritual muscles.
Hashem writes the script and expects us to perform center-stage.
Sometimes, we prove ourselves so capable
that He asks for an ‘encore’, for another rendition
of our strength in the face of a storm.
Chanie Juravel mentions
an interesting point which struck me with its underlying
message. Why is it necessary to designate Yom Kippur as
a day for prayer and repentance after we all observed Rosh
Hashana in its entirety Isn’t it a seeming repetition
Rosh Hashana evaluates us based on the thoughts, words
and actions of the previous year. A perfect calculation is
made according to the balance of positive and negative
which we incurred throughout twelve long months. Coming
to Yom Kippur, we are evaluated with a completely new set
of scales. We are evaluated based on what we want to become
in the following year.
Isn’t that a fascinating insight Yom Kippur is truly a
golden opportunity. Although we know that in the bygone
months we made mistakes and sometimes slipped up,
Hashem grants us the gift of a second chance. If we truly
want to grow and improve, our earnest motivation will make
an impression on the Heavenly Court. How wondrous is this
annual gift, and how much encouragement it offers us at this
time of year.
If someone would ask you to assemble a calculator, you
would probably throw up your hands in instant defeat. ‘Me,
assemble a calculator Impossible! I don’t know where to
begin” It’s a perfectly understandable reaction in the face of
a formidable task. However, if you chance upon the Chinese
labor force, you would be shocked at the capabilities of a
Chinese youngster. Despite his youth, he ably assembles one
calculator after another without perceiving his task
as anything but mundane. Given the proper
tools, instructions, and training even a
young child can accomplish great
feats.
We all have the right tools to
ascend our personal ladders of
growth. My tools may differ
from yours, for our tasks and
tafkidim are comprised of different
components. Sometimes, a
small setback could derail our per-