Rosh HashanaRosh Hashana is when we celebrate the Jewish New Year, commemorating creation and our purpose in it. In fact, Rosh Hashana is not the anniversary of the first day of creation, but rather the sixth, the day Adam was created.
The verse in describing G‑d's creation of Adam tell us he was formed in the "image" of G‑d. Rabbi Menashe ben Israel, a Portuguese born Rabbi and Jewish leader, in his monumental work "Conciliator," addresses the obvious question.
"If G‑d has no form or shape, what image is the verse referring to?"
Explains the Rabbi, the term image in our context is used to convey a "message." It is true the world was created during a six day period, but no other being reflects G‑d's ultimate desire for the world.
The analogy, he says, is that of a handsome individual, standing before a mirror.
In no way is there any comparison between the life filled human being to the mere from that is his reflection. Yet there is much we can decipher about the person by seeing his reflection. Using the term "image," conveys the G‑dly energy and beauty invested in us, reminding us of the unique responsibilities we have in this world.
Yes, Rosh Hashana is day six in creation, but it is day number one for G‑d's vision for this world; that we, those created in his "image" need to implement.
Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova!