Rosh Hashanah 5787

Rosh Hashanah 5787 · An Awareness Message

Can We Avoid Another Year of Catastrophe?

This coming year, 5787 (2026 / 2027) the first day of Rosh Hashanah once again falls on Shabbos. No shofar will be sounded. Seven times in the last thirty years that has happened — and seven times, catastrophe followed.

VIDEO — "Rosh Hashanah 5787" campaign message (16:9)

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"Any year in which the shofar is not sounded at its beginning — its end will be sounded with evil tidings."

Rosh Hashana 16b

See what happened the last seven times ↓

Part I

The Teaching

This coming Rosh Hashanah 5787, the shofar — yet again — will not be sounded on the first day because it's Shabbos. Our sages warned us

"Any year in which the shofar is not sounded at its beginning — its end will be sounded with evil tidings."

Talmud, Rosh Hashana 16b

        SOURCE TEXT — original Gemara (Rosh Hashana 16b), Hebrew/Aramaic daf image or facsimile
      

The historical record is striking, especially as it relates to modern history: September 11th, COVID-19, and October 7th all fell in years when the first day of Rosh Hashanah landed on Shabbos and no shofar was blown.

So what should we do, or what can we do, to minimize or remove the "evil tidings" all together?

While many do not realize this, there is in fact something which can be done in order to prevent the potential catastrophe that may occur.

The Aruch LaNer, written over 150 years ago, in Minchas Ani on Torah - Parshas Ha'azinu 17 - 19, tells us of years when the shofar wasn't blown on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, yet these same years produced the greatest miracles in Jewish history — and that what determines the outcome is one thing: a deeper commitment to Shabbos.

The Aruch LaNer explains:

אבל כשחל בשבת איך ימצא לנו זכות להצדיקנו ביום הדין

But when it falls on Shabbos [and the shofar is not blown], how will we find merit to vindicate us on the day of judgment?

אכן לזה בא השבת שהיא בת זוגה לישראל

Indeed, for this the Shabbos herself comes forward — she who is the mate of Israel —

כמה דאמרו רז"ל בב"ר (פ' י"א) להיות סניגור בעדינו לפני ממ"ה

as our Sages, of blessed memory, said in Bereishis Rabbah (ch. 11): to be a defender on our behalf before the King of kings,

והשבת יוצאת ובאה לפני כסא כבודו

and the Shabbos goes in and out before His throne of glory,

כדכתיב ביני ובין בני ישראל אות היא לעולם

as it is written: "Between Me and the children of Israel it is a sign forever,"

ובזכות שישראל משמרים השבת כראוי הקב"ה מוחל עונותיהם

and by the merit that Israel keeps the Shabbos properly, the Holy One, blessed be He, forgives their sins.

Each of us — wherever we are in the world — can make one commitment for this coming Rosh Hashanah.

One area of Shabbos to strengthen. One phone to put down. One new person or family to host. One meal to make extra holy.

This year, Shabbos is our shofar. The question is whether we will hear Shabbos, and fulfill our part of the commitment.

This is not an empty warning — see the record →

Part II

Thirty Years, Nine Silences

Besides the destruction of both Temples occurring in years like these — modern history proves the same, stark message. Take a look at the last thirty years: almost every time the first day of Rosh Hashanah fell on Shabbos, catastrophe followed.

But that doesn't have to be.

There Is Another Way →

Part III

My Shabbos Commitment

for the Year 5787

Choose one commitment. Shabbos is waiting for you.

My commitment for 5787:

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Click here to send yourself an email with your Shabbos commitment(s) for year 5787

Shabbat Shalom. Shanah Tovah.

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Shanah Tovah.

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About This Campaign

This site accompanies a short film released ahead of Rosh Hashanah 5787, sharing a teaching from the Aruch LaNer on the unique power of Shabbos in a year when the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos itself. Watch, share, and take one small step for Shabbos this year.

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