Rabbi David Leibl: Rosh Hashanah Prayers Call for Global Responsibility

Rabbi David Leibl, president of Achvat Torah, emphasized that the prayers recited during Rosh Hashanah extend beyond personal reflection to encompass a broader sense of responsibility for the Jewish people, the land of Israel, and the entire world. In an interview with Kikar HaShabbat, Leibl explained that while individuals naturally focus on their personal circumstances during the High Holidays, the liturgy specifically includes petitions for the "righteous," "upright," and "devout," as well as for the "people of Israel," "land," and "city."

This communal focus, he stated, requires an awareness of one's place within the collective and a responsibility towards the public. The prayers also extend to a global scope, with petitions for God's "fear" to be upon "all Your works" and "awe" upon "all that You have created," leading to all creatures revering God. Leibl questioned the relevance of these global prayers to individuals, but answered that they signify a shared responsibility for the world's proper functioning.

He drew a parallel to Abraham, who, despite his unique relationship with God, actively educated his household and the entire world, earning the title "father of many nations." Leibl asserted that this does not negate Israel's distinctiveness but rather highlights its role as a symbol and example for other nations, as prophesied in Isaiah. Abraham's concern for the people of Sodom, even in their wickedness, exemplifies this principle.

Leibl concluded that the unique identity of the Jewish people is meant to influence outwards, from the family to the community and the world. Unlike holidays focused on specific historical events like the Exodus, Rosh Hashanah, meaning "head of the world," is a festival for all of humanity, signifying God's sovereignty over the entire universe.