Israeli Chief Rabbi, Yona Metzger, wished a “Happy New Year” to people around the world in a video released by the Jerusalem Post. Rabbi Metzger explained that this coming Sunday night Jews around the world will eat apples dipped in honey and will say: “May God bless us with a good and sweet year.” Why do we say both “good” and “sweet?” If it’s good, isn’t it sweet? If it’s sweet, isn’t it good?
Rabbi Metzger explained that there are many things in life which are good but not sweet and vice versa. For example, when a person undergoes an operation, it is most certainly good for the patient but it is not a sweet experience. When a person eats too much chocolate it may be sweet but it is not good for him. We use an apple which symbolizes good, and honey which captures sweetness, and ask God for all things this coming year to be both good and sweet.
The Chief Rabbi concluded by blessing everyone with a good new year and “Shalom from Jerusalem, city of the Holy Temple.”
Reported by DOV LIPMAN for United with Israel
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