On Rosh Hashanah we read two powerful stories. The first is the story of Yishmael being sent away, a painful conflict between Avraham and Sarah. Why is that part of Rosh Hashanah?
Perhaps it comes to teach us that growth is not only about what we add, but also about what we let go of. On Rosh Hashanah we all set lofty goals and dream of becoming better. But do we stop to ask: what are the habits, the influences, the voices that are holding me back? Am I willing to release them?
We all want unity, but are we ready to let go of resentment? We all want health, but are we ready to let go of indulgences? We all want to be spiritual, but are we ready to put away distractions and open a sefer? Sometimes the holiest step is letting go of what is weighing us down.
And then comes the Akeda, when Avraham is asked to raise Yitzchak as an offering. That reading makes sense for the day of devotion and reflection. It teaches us about our willingness to give more, to rise higher, to dedicate ourselves fully to Hashem. The two together form a complete message: letting go of what holds us back, and then elevating ourselves higher.
This Rosh Hashanah, may we have the courage to rise and the wisdom to release.
Shana tova. Rav Shlomo