Insights from Reverend Hazan Benlolo

Dear Danny,

It is said that on Rosh Hashanah, God predetermines each individuals wealth and parnassa. Is it so and why?

Dear reader,

The concept you're referring to is often associated with the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year. During this time, there is a belief that God reviews and judges the deeds of every individual over the past year. This judgment is often depicted metaphorically as a "book of life" in which one's actions are recorded.

The idea of God determining an individual's fate, including wealth and livelihood, stems from the belief in divine providence. Divine providence suggests that God is actively involved in the world, guiding and influencing events, including individual circumstances. This belief can be traced back to various texts within Jewish tradition, such as the Talmud and various teachings of rabbis and scholars over the centuries.

The connection between Rosh Hashanah and wealth can be understood as follows: If God is reviewing and judging one's actions during this time, it's believed that one's financial matters are included in this evaluation. Thus, the financial outcomes of the coming year are thought to be influenced by God's judgment based on one's behavior, intentions, and overall conduct in the previous year.

However, it's important to recognize that interpretations of religious beliefs can vary among different Jewish denominations and individual believers. Some may take a more literal view of this concept, while others might see it as symbolic or allegorical. Additionally, the concept of divine providence raises questions about free will and determinism, which have been subjects of philosophical and theological discussions for centuries.

In summary, the belief that God predetermines an individual's wealth and livelihood on Rosh Hashanah is rooted in the idea of divine judgment and providence within Jewish tradition. It reflects the notion that God's assessment of one's actions during this period can impact various aspects of their life in the coming year.