Rosh Hashanah
First Day: Genesis 21
Maftir: Numbers 29: 1-6
Haftorah: 1 Samuel 1:1 - 2:10

May G-d Grant You The Very Best In Life ©

By Dr. Akiva G. Belk


This study of the Holy Days is dedicated in the loving memory of Mr. Paul Sakash, may he rest in peace.

When we consider the words Li Shaw Naw - Toh Vaw, meaning “For A Good Year” we observe that the Gematria is 407. The words Li Shaw Naw - Toh Vaw are the introductory words for Li Shaw Naw - Toh Vaw - Tee Caw Say Voo “For a Good Year, May you be inscribed [in the Book of Life].” Li Shaw Naw - Toh Vaw are the beginning words or the shortened phrase that carries the meaning “For a Good Year, May you be inscribed [in the Book of Life].”

Li Shaw Naw - Toh Vaw {For A Good Year}
407 = Hey 5 Bais 2 Vav 6 Tes 9 - Hey 5 Nun 50 Shin 300 Lamid 30

Now we say these words on Erev Rosh Hashanah. They express our intent for our fellow Jew. They express our prayer that our fellow Jew should be immediately inscribed for a good year in this world and for a good life {eternal life} in the World to Come.”

Mystically we observe that the Gematria of 407 is Oohs, meaning “A sign or a warning.” For example, in Bereishis we read that Hashem placed a mark or a warning upon Kayin. The intent of this Oohs was a sign to Kayin and a warning to all other inhabitants not to kill Kayin. In other words it was like a seal. It was like a seal of protection.

Oohs {A sign or a warning}
407 = Sav 400 Vav 6 Aleph 1

Yet the Gematria 407 is also a judgment as in the judgment Hashem passed upon the serpent for lying to Adam and Chava. Hashem said to the Serpent, Aw Roor, meaning “Cursed [are you]”...from among all animals and beasts... Genesis 3:14 This is the same word Hashem uses to describe Kayin’s position after murdering his brother. Genesis 4:14 This is the same word used by Noach after the vile sin by his youngest son. Genesis 9:25 It is the word used by Yitzchok to curse all enemies of Yaakov. Genesis 27:29 It is the word used by Yaakov to curse the anger of his son Levi. Genesis 49:7 It is also the word used by the descendants of Reuvein, Gad, Asher, Zevulun, Don and Naftali on Mt. Eival to curse... Deuteronomy 27:13 - 28:19

Aw Roor {Cursed [are you]}
407 = Reish 200 Vav 6 Reish 200 Aleph 1

Now what protects us from these curses? Tay Vaw meaning “Ark” as in Noach’s Ark or the ark that spared Moshe and Kal Yisroel or as in the “Tay Vaw meaning “[The] Ark [of the Torah],” the ark that is in the shul.

Tay Vaw {Ark}
407 = Hey 5 Bais 2 Sav 400

Now, dear ones, Mystically speaking the blessing of Yaakov rests upon us. Yet we, like Yitzchok, must pronounce the blessing upon each other as Yitzchok did to Yaakov. This blessing carries the protection against the curse, protecting us like the Ark did for Noach and his family and for Moshe. Yet we are also reminded of the great value of drawing near the ark within our shul or home. It is a place of protection. It is a place of observance.

The point is that our desire for Kal Yisroel should be the blessing, Li Shaw Naw - Toh Vaw, meaning “For A Good Year.” Mystically we can bring this about by saying to our fellow Jew, May G-d Grant You The Very Best In Life... This expresses our intention, Li Shaw Naw - Toh Vaw, the introductory words for Li Shaw Naw - Toh Vaw - Tee Caw Say Voo, “For a Good Year, May you be inscribed [in the Book of Life].”

Li Shaw Naw - Toh Vaw - Tee Caw Say Voo
“For a Good Year, May you be inscribed [in the Book of Life],”

Wishing you the best!

Dr. Akiva G. Belk

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