Rosh Hashanah: What's Love Got to Do With It?

Yet another wonderful and much appreciated new facet of looking at Rosh Hashanna from the Marvelous men (& women) on the Aish staff. Thank you very much, and may you ALL be blessed with a: Shanna Tova U’M’too-kah! PS — Is there any way to get a picture of the little girl at 2:45 of the movie? She is “eat-her-up” CUTE!

you have opened my heart...

thank you for sharing. it is a good and important reminder and you gave it over very well. thank you

This video nearly brought tears to my eyes, it was so heartfelt. Charlie Harary has this way to drive the message home that is impossible in any speech or lecture. That having been said, here's my question: if your relationship with God is unfortunately like that of the teenage son, what are some practical ways to repair it and go back to being the little child?

Anonymous - Watch Charlie's lecture on torahanytime.com called Rosh Hashana: How to Get Into the Book of Life. He expounds on this topic very well. I think the key is just to deeply integrate the understanding of how MUCH Hashem loves you into your consciousness - and that He loves you for you as you are with all your faults and with everything; He loves you unconditionally. And once you understand that - in my perception at least - you'll realize that all the things we do aren't meaningless rituals from an over-expecting and cold ruler, they're ways that we get get closer to Someone who loves us so much, they're chances that we are lucky enough to have to reciprocate His amazing love for us. And that changes the whole picture. He loves each and every one of us more than we can ever understand. All He wants from us is to know that we love Him back, not hate Him back. How do we do that? By showing Him we're trying to give back to Him by doing good in the world and making Him proud. It's all about the give and give of love. He shows us He loves us by giving to us and being there for us, and we show Him our love by attempting to do the same. Attempting, because we are no means perfect. But the attempt is so crucial. How do we go back to being the little kid? In my understanding, it's simply in switching our attitude towards G-d and the commandments from that of the teenager to that of the little kid. If we really are able to view G-d like the little kid then we are one again.

Wow that is hard; I would say in baby small steps, first realize if you believe in a higher being than it only makes sense that He is good, therefore if that is true than He cares about each of us. And then if things happen then they are good or have messages for us. We need to unravel the messages; I compare it to the DNA molecules that contain millions of codes. If you know the code then you can understand the message. After a while you begin understanding these messages and learning from them. Small steps

must be getting old- am ffb, grandmother, retired limudei kodesh teacher- yet I really needed this fresh video on an idea I knew and got tooo accustomed with. Thanks

I think that was a lovely story. I get the message. I'm Catholic, but I have a deep respect for the Jewish faith. Thank you for sharing your insight. Makes me feel closer to the Lord. Your message jump started my faith at this time. Thank You. M.B.

very inspiring ..loved it !! shanah tovah !!

I am a busy mom of 4,my youngest 2 months old. i work full time and came onto aish.com for some inspiration. Thank you so much for this excellent message.

SO MUCH SAID IN SUCH A SHORT TIME. LOVED IT.

This video went straight to my soul . It made me feel like sharing it to the whole world! Thank You so much!

I get your message about Rosh Hashana and love. Beautiful. But what happened with your friend ? That is of more interest to me.

Wow.

I'll admit I got thrown a curve on this one. This was not only an article- It was a message. Stay Strong

This is an incredibly beautiful and inspirational video! it's an incredible message for all! I know I will work on my relationship even more because of you! Yasher Koach and Shana Tova!

thanks charlie, I adore your videos. I'm going to post this one, loved the mashal.

Thank you so much for this very inspiring video. The analogy is so real and brings the point home so well. Thank you for inspiring us over and over again. It really is all for us. When we look around and take the time to see and feel G-d's love for us in the intricate way He made the world, each of us, and everything in each of our world's, we are filled with an awesome feeling of love and awe and a strong deep desire of wanting G-d in our lives, in our homes, and in our hearts. It is a different life! Real life!

Charlie, you've got such a gift for inspiring others in such an entertaining and meaningful way. I always look forward to your videos!!!

What a beautiful message! I love it and feel so blessed to have seen that video! Thank you!

This is so beautiful and such a truthful message. "Ahava mekalkeless es hashura" Love changes the whole natural course of events and brings about phenomenal improvements which otherwise would not occur. Thank you Aish for this tastefully expressed awakening. Shana Tova to all!

Presently I am studying, learning and teaching about G-d's love, this video is another wonderful way of understanding His love for us and teaches us how to respond to His love. We love Him because He first loved us.

This is the best video I have seen in quite a while. Yes, we do have to think about G-d's benefit in our lives as well as for ourselves. Beautiful! May Hashem bless us all with a great year!

Absolutely Fabulous!!!

Thank you, Charlie! I live in Russia and started to translate your message to some of my friends.They are bleesed a lot

excellent

GREAT OUT LOOK, people need to understand the love behind what hashem does, he does what he does because he loves us. and his love is beautiful and greater then anything in this world could ever give. Nothing compares

I want to thank you for making this powerful video...it really made me think of the true meaning of this days שנה טובה וכתיבה וחתימה טובה

Couldn't be better put. Go Charlie!

I would like to say that was a meaningful lesson becasue I look at families with some things i have in common with.

Best wake up call I've ever heard, keep it up!

This video is beautiful! Your analogy really got me thinking- thank you!

I must say that your video really made the spiritual concepts of Elul and Rosh Hashana so clear. I have been trying to understand Elul for the longest time and your video has really clarified everything for me. Your video made me cry as well. I have to agree with David that this was really amazing. Such profound wisdom within such a simplistic analogy. The message truly cuts to the heart and speaks volumes about G-d's love for us. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

Excellent insights. :-D God bless!

i love this video

Loved it. Great message and analogy. Have a great Yom Tov and year. Love to the whole family! Debbie

That was really amazing,This is the first time i cried in a long time i guess it really hit me ,thank you

just wanted to let you know- I am a first grade teacher in a Jewish Day School and after seeing this film I used the analogy to convey to my students God's love for us- it was great!! Thank you!!

This is/was very good. Thank you for the reminder. After seeing this remarkable, profound, video short, the thought occurred to me, that timing is irrelevant to truth. It seems to me, that I should have the same excitement and anticipation in preparation for Yom Kippur as I do for every Shabbat, when our Creator has chosen this time to be with us. It seems each of us goes through a "teenage" phase of rebellious ignorance where we don't realize the importance and value of the role our Creator plays in our lives. And fear and dread of the condemning gavel overshadows the loving relationship that is available to us. Shalom Charles Harary, again thank you. :)

I am not Jewish but I am telling you this is one of the most beautiful stories of Rosh Hashana I have ever heard in my 60 years! Thank you for sharing...

As one listener commented : " You nailed it ". I always have to listen to fear of Hashem. I am not interested in fear. That is for the other two major religions to force. Awe is great. Love is great. You are getting me closer to attending Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. G-d is in the house ! We adults are His children, the way He sees us. G-0d is home ! Let's celebrate. This means to take Dicchuning seriously, and the accounting and tshuva seriously, but to know that G-d is there as we cast stones into the river, and feel excited by His omnipresence during Elul and Tishrei. Mazel Bruchas and Shana Tova to you and your family. You have just done a beautiful mitzvah. My part is no longer to think it over about attending services, but to make it to Shul. If G-d is in the house, i don't want to miss him.

Your message truly hit home, it is one that most can relate to. Sometimes I am so busy preparing for the High Holy Days, along with hoping that I make it through Yom Kippur without getting faint, etc.I forget to just relax and receive the Love and personal connection that G-d is offering to me.

Thank you for all that you do....my day is always better after reading or watching something, anything, on your website.

This is the second video I have seen with Charlie Harary, and I really like his messages. This one really hit home with me. I thank G-d twice a day for my blessings, but I have been thinking about the High Holy Days with some dread. His video changed all that for me. Thank you!!

That was terrific and something we all can relate to. Thanks!

You hit the nail right on the head! And I DO miss the way I used to be greeted when I came home. If Hashem feels the same way, we all really need to rethink our relationship with Him, express our love, and make Him feel welcome in our lives. Keep up the great work and Shana Tove

ur stories really hit home! thanks for yet another powerful videp presentation!

Great applicable video message! When you get the Love right, and first, Everything else will fall into its place, perfectly!

Very inspiring and so important. You have a gift that instills love for the Almighty. May you continue to bring your wisdom and passion to all of us. Beautiful!

that really put a new perspective on Rosh Hashana that ive never had before. thank you

When I've come home from work, my children greet me like Dino greets Fred Flintstone. It IS the highlight of my day! Charlie put Rosh Hashanah in such beautiful perspecctive that I can relate to. When Rosh Hashanah comes in this year, I will be that child running to great my father. Aish has taught me that each phase of life teaches us how to be more like our Creator. Having children allows us to understand how to love unconditionally--which is how I relate to my own children. What a beautiful way to feel coming into Rosh Hashanah--being the child who's Father loves me unconditionally. Keep up the great work!

Charlie, this was WONDERFUL!! Thank you for a timeless message that hits home ANY time of year!

This was very inspiring. This is EXACTLY what Rosh Hashana is all about! The love that we should be feeling for Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Thank you for spreading the message! Shana Tova!

Great video! We don't have to wait for pre-Rosh Hashanah to have that personal relationship with Hashem. It's not just Christians whose religion preaches having a personal relationship with G-d! As commenter #1 indicated, we as Jews can practice "hisbodedut," having a personal conversation with Him, every day, to our benefit!

love vs. fear, , even though 'the beginning of wisdom is fear', we now have 'and you shall love the Lord your God', thank you so much, i will share with many other. Shanna Tova Umetuka.

Thank you for this message. i think that for too long i was more worried that i needed to, worried for what happen and i cannot change, reading books that would only upset me. G-d is love and nothing else matters for me. wonderful video, thank you.

This is a perfect analogy. I'm a high school student who recently moved into a Jewish community for the first time. I know what it's like to get so caught up in the craziness of life that we forget what really inspired us to do these things in the first place and drag through them in an almost begrudging way. This is a touching reminder that Rosh Hashanah isn't just about apples and honey, but about reconnecting to our incredible Father while He's extra close during this time. Thanks--you're appreciated! : )

Last year when My Gd.. came to visit,I wasn't home. This year I will be home,but I am not all there , Pray tell what can I do.. God grant me the Grace to except my self as I am and the cur rage to except you for what you are ,and not try to turn you into what I want you to Be.Nappy New Year

I watched the video again and heard somethings that I had missed, so I am glad that this is still available to see and hear. As I go through the conversion process it becomes more wonderful, lots of studying but Mincha has been more meaningful since I purchased the Siddurs for High Holy Days and Shabbat and for Weekdays. All the morning and evening Shema is with greater kavone with the Hebrew in the transliterated form. It helps me learn more and so do your videos. They make one think about different aspects, attitudes and perhaps misconceptions as you pointed out about love. With Hashem, isn't it always about love? Thanks again for the video.

Charlie.. You are right.. Shana tova.. :)

I liked your enthusiastic presentation, but I don't feel that G-d comes home once a year. I feel that he is home every moment of every day of the year.

Thanks for explaining in simple words a poweful message.

great video clip, I like the aspect of concentrating on GODs love, very important.

Well done on so many levels. Kol Hakavod,

I am very excited by this video. It is a blessing

R' Charlie, Another homerun. Really terrific. David

Nice to see an Aish video with great Jewish content!

Thank you Charlie. Awesome video. Thank you Aish! I can't wait until the High Holidays!

Not for giving the message of preparation and judgment, but for easing our approach to recall our hearts to meet H"...the better way to prepare for Judgement Day. Nicely done.

It made me a little teary eyed. Now I can't wait to observe Rosh Hashana. (=

Never troubled to compliment you on a video before, even if i enjoyed many..(Sorry!) but this was special. thank you, i feel easier and better about the day of judgment now. i think Yaron (28) mised it, it was not about the timing of RH but the quality of "I am for my Beloved and my Beloved is for me."

Thanks Charlie - you made my day.

really loved the video it filled me with tears

you did not explain why god is coming on rh. why rh falls on these specific days. whats the meanning of it. "rosh hasanh" - the new year - falls on missan - pesach, so why "rosh hashana" comes now? you started good and then missed it.

Awesome job. Please keep going.

WOW, thanks!!!

REALLY BEAUTIFU AND MEANINGFUL. WELL DONE. THANK YOU

Charlie, that was fantastic. I'm not afraid to be critical. I'm not afraid to say, "Too much fluff." "Too intellectual." "Not intellectual enough." (Honestly, I wouldn't have criticized you, but I would have been quiet.) That was superb! Thank you!

This is the second time I've watched this, and I'm even more inspired! I just HAVE to share this with others! Thank you SO MUCH! May you merit to keep inpiring so many others!

What a great video! Charlie- you have a gift. A special gift of touching people. I heard you at the Amen group on 17 Tammuz and your tears touched MY heart deeply. I don't think I ever cried on the 17th of Tammuz before. Please continue to use your gift and keep making these videos with your keen observations about God, people and Yiddishkeit. You are surely helping to melt our frozen hearts.

I am frum from birth, celebrating Elul/ Rosh Hashana my whole life and learned something powerful from this video. The rest of Elul will have a different focus for me now. I am deeply grateful to Aish and Mr. Harary for providing all of us with this powerful inspiration.

charlie i really enjoyed your movie and it realy hit home .

Our class watched this video. It had a meaningful point, but too much explanation.

What a great video-- it totally conveys the message of Hashem's love as our Father! Charlie, you're right on!!

Just the right message for this time of the year. It got me in the (even) right(er) state of mind!

G-- got to do with it???

youve come a long way charlie since public speaking in queens college!! keep up the great work, ksiva v'chasima tova.

this is such a beautiful video. thank you.

We need much more Charlie Videos!! His videos are the BEST. (Better than all the Rest.)

This is a beautiful and moving presentation, moved me to tears. Remembering God's love for us encourages and motivates us not to despair in our uphill battle for self-improvement. Thank you

One of the most inspiring videos I've ever seen. Kol Hakavod.

THANK YOU!

An absolutely wonderful and poinant message. However, i think the 'LOVE" message should have also been mentioned in context with ALL relationships that we have as the high holydays approach. Certainly the analogy of G-d as the father makes for a powerful message. It is also Necessary to be preparing and mending bridges in our personal relationships as the Days of Awe approach because ultimately that is the whole reason for the days. Ultimately the days are about how we try to better our lives not only through G-d, but also by relationships that we have now. thanks. je

this video presented a slight difference in presenting the approaching High Holidays... and an excellent Father-son approach with the ever increasing demands on families, whether temporary separation or divorce this makes an excellent father-son video to watch together - Yasher Koach!

Thank you for your well delivered and timely message to remind us how much we love our heavenly father! L`shana Tova Tikatevu

This is beautiful, because YES, it's all about love. The only difference for me is that I don't feel Rosh Hashona is the only time God comes home. God is always at home, and being at home in one place or another, means being in a place where love is visibly palpable. Every day then could be Rosh Hashona. And yes, it is a special reminder, this holiday, also, of just this. God needs us as much as we need God. Perhaps one could say this entire, greater story is about just this. That knowledge. A father needs his children's love. Children need to know they are, beloved. We are constantly involved in this dynamic. Read the stories on Aish and imbibe this truth, about love. This story, all of our stories, is deeply about LOVE and what it means, to LOVE, to honor, to respect. We're all in this together. My rose of Sharon begins to put out its white buds. Rose of Sharon. Awe, how Biblical is all of this!

Powerful! Thank you!

Absolutely Beautiful and simply brilliant! I must say that to me this is probably the most excellent video/message that Aish has put out to date! Way to go! Charlie Harary and Aish! Have a wonderful Rosh Hashanah and a healthy year for you and your family and klal Yisrael.

I realize that the High Holy Days are serious, but also what was stated in the video is very important. G-d Loves us and I am happy that the Days are here and they come every year. I love and fear G-d and that is absolutely true. He gives me what I need and I get to pass or fail His tests. This is a good thing.

A great video! Charlie Harary is brilliant, and hits the nail on the head every time. May Charlie and his family be inscribed for a great year.

beautiful vid God gives us so much blessings in life. And the challenges are too because they help us grow. There's a book called In forest fields by Rabbi Shalom Arush about personal prayer which is good to learn about. What you said about the rules being for our benefit is very true. The mitzvos nourish us and bring light