Chief Rabbi Issues Guidance for Rosh Hashanah Falling on Shabbat

Israel's Chief Rabbi, Kalman Bar, has released a special halachic and practical guide for Rosh Hashanah תשפ"ז, as the first day of the holiday falls on Shabbat. The guide addresses the unique laws and customs applicable when Rosh Hashanah coincides with the Sabbath, a situation that prevents the traditional sounding of the shofar.

Rabbi Bar explains that while the shofar's blast is a central observance meant to awaken repentance and advocate for Israel, its absence on the first day of Rosh Hashanah due to Shabbat's sanctity is not a cause for despair. Citing authorities like the Baal Halachot Gedolot and the Arukh La'ner, he clarifies that the concern about missing the shofar's call applies only when the omission is not due to Shabbat. Instead, the sanctity of Shabbat itself can serve as a powerful advocate for the Jewish people, provided its holiness is properly observed.

The Chief Rabbi emphasizes that in years when the shofar cannot be sounded, the focus should shift to honoring and safeguarding Shabbat's sanctity, both privately and publicly. He details specific observances, including refraining from shofar blowing on Erev Rosh Hashanah, the custom of immersion after midday, and lighting candles with the blessing for both Shabbat and the holiday. For the holiday meals, he notes the tradition of singing Shabbat zemirot like 'Shalom Aleichem' and 'Eshet Chayil,' and eating symbolic foods with their respective "Yehi Ratzon" prayers.

The guide also outlines changes in prayer liturgy, such as reciting "Zichron Teruah" and "R'tzeh b'Mnucheinu," and the absence of "Avinu Malkeinu" due to the prohibition of requesting needs on Shabbat, though some have a custom to recite it. It clarifies that carrying a shofar on Shabbat is forbidden as it is a utensil whose primary use is prohibited, though its portability for specific needs is debated among halachic authorities. The digest also covers customs like reciting Psalms, the permissibility of napping, the timing of the third Shabbat meal, and the Tashlikh ceremony, which this year is recommended for the second day to avoid carrying items.

Preparations for the second day of the holiday are permitted only after Shabbat concludes, with specific blessings recited. Candle lighting for the second night follows the same procedure as other holidays, using an existing flame and reciting the appropriate blessings. The guide concludes with a blessing for the Jewish people to merit the protection of Shabbat during the Day of Judgment, leading to a good and sweet year.