The Bnei Korach And Teki’at Shofar
After all the preparations, when we stand in Shul for Teki’as Shofar (Shofar blasts), we recite a very moving chapter of Tehillim (Psalms) seven times, extoling on how the Shofar heralds the Kingship of Hashem.
The Cherished Sefer Tehillim
As an introduction to this subject, we will backtrack a bit and discuss the Sefer of Tehilim. Besides the Chumash itself, there is probably no sefer in Tenach as familiar to Klal Yisrael (the Nation of Yisrael) as the sefer of Tehilim.
The Sefer Tehilim has been the central pillar of Klal Yisrael already in the Beit Hamikdash (temple). During the prayer of Rosh Chodesh Musaf, we pray for its restoration when we say, “And with the songs of Dovid your servant which are recited before your mizbe’ach”. The sefer Tehillim is indeed the framework and basis of Klal Yisrael’s prayers.
There are my composers of the Tehillim. Adam Harishon composed Mizmor Shiur l’yom Hashabbat. Moshe Rabeinu composed 11 psalms (90-100 inclusive). Dovid Hamelech composed some chapters too. He then collected all the chapters, and collated it all into the wonderful eternal book for Klal Yisrael: the sefer Tehillim as we have it today. The Tehillim brings us on a journey from the glorious lifetime of the Har Habayit (Temple mount), through the darkness of Galut (exile) and all its ramifications. Through prayer in times of sorrow and prayer in times of pain. The Tehillim has been a steadfast companion of our nation.
Who Were The Bnei Korach?
One of the composers are the Bnei Korach (sons of Korach). If they were composed by the actual sons of Korach or later descendants, may be a matter of contention. However, for the purpose of this article, we will go with the opinion that the psalms referred to here, were at least initiated by the sons of Korach themselves. The first series of the Bnei Korach compositions are from chapter 42 to 49. There are more later on in the Sefer.
If one bears in mind their life story, a life of challenges and triumphs, one can actually hear them talking in their chapters. For instance, they write “Fear not if one becomes fabulously wealthy and fills his house with glory. For with his death, he will take nothing along and his glory will not follow him down”. This sentence sounds eerily like a self fulfilling prophecy if you know the story of Korach. Chapter 45, according to many commentaries, is a rendition of praises heaped upon the Gedolei Yisrael (Torah giants). In the original context, it extolls upon the virtues of Moshe, Aharon, and the Ziknie Yisrael (Elders of Am Yisrael) at the time. Who else could give us some perspective, if not the Bnei Korach, who witnessed the rebellion against Moshe Rabeinu and what happened to the rebels as an outcome.
This brings us to our subject in regards to Rosh Hashana and the blowing of the Shofar.
Are we really ready?
Chapter 47 was written by the Bnei Korach and we recite it sevem times before Teki’as Shofar. We all know the atmosphere in the shul during those auspicious minutes. It is “excitement in fear”. On one hand, we are all excited that we reached a climax. We’re waiting, ready to fulfill the mitzvah Hashem commanded us to do. On the other hand, we are full of doubts – are we really ready to be judged? Do we have enough merits? Maybe we should just give up if we’re so full of sin anyway?
“YES You Are!”
Now, at this critical moment, the Bnei Korach come and remind us. “No!” they say. “Don’t give up!” “We also were on the brink of disaster and we caught ourselves in the nick of time.” This is perhaps one great thought to have in mind as we recite the chapter, to spur us on, to encourage us not to falter.
The Career Of Singing To Hashem – Always
One more thought connected to the above-mentioned chapter. The Gemara questions as to why Hallel (a joyful prayer) is not recited on Rosh Hashana? To which the Gemara answers, that in a time when the books of the living and of the dead are open before Him, it is not befitting to recite Hallel, which requires a frame of mind of happiness and ecstasy.
The Chatam Sofer asks on that answer, what makes the Gemara so certain that Rosh Hashana would otherwise be a good day to say Hallel? Says the Chatam Sofer, when, if not Rosh Hashana – the most obvious milestone of the year, should be the time to sing praises to Hashem and reflect on all the chessed and kindliness which He showers on us daily, in abundance? Indeed, the question is a good one.
However, one can achieve this mindset of happiness and ecstasy on Rosh Hashana. Everyone, in their personal way, could, and frankly should, take some time on this great and momentous day to sing to Hashem. In your own words in conversation form, or through chanting some chapters of Tehillim. There is no end to this great career of praising Hashem.
Perhaps, this is what is meant in the words of chapter Chapter 47. “Sing to G-d, sing, Sing to our King, sing. For He is the King of all the earth, our G-d, sing [to Him] in knowledge.” With the correct frame of mind, even on Rosh Hashana, the day we herald in Hashem’s Kingship, we could sing non-stop. And we should. When Hashem sees that we have discovered the secret of the world – the career of singing to Hashem, this will give us the right to ask for another good and healthy year, for ourselves, our families and for all of Klal Yisrael.
לשנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו לאלתר לחיים טובים ושלום ושנת גאולה וישועה
By Rabbi Gavriel Lamm
