Rosh Hashanah: Trumpets, Shofar, & The King’s Hunting Expedition

Imagine a city in a vast kingdom that had failed to pay its taxes. The royal treasury was left empty by this rebellious town, and the king, furious over the long-standing debt, set out with a mighty army to collect what was owed.

Ten miles from the city, the mayor and local officials ran to meet the king. They begged for mercy, explaining they had nothing left in their coffers. The king, moved by their pleas, agreed to forgive one-third of the debt.

As he drew closer, the city’s merchants and storekeepers emerged to greet him, humbly requesting another reduction. Again, the king relented, canceling another third.

Finally, as the king reached the gates, the entire population came out in a massive show of loyalty and submission. Witnessing this unified display, the king was overcome—and forgave the entire debt.

This parable, cited by the Tur (Orach Chaim 581), offers profound insight into the Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe.

On Erev Rosh Hashanah, chasidim and anshei ma’aseh—the devout and righteous—fast and engage in deep introspection. In their merit, Hashem forgives a “third” of our aveiros.

During the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, even beinonim—average Jews—elevate their conduct. In their merit, another “third” is forgiven.

And then comes Yom Kippur. All of klal Yisrael unites. Everyone fasts. Everyone stands in tefilah. At that moment—just like the townspeople at the city gates—Hashem forgives the entire debt. The slate is wiped clean.

The message of the shofar is not just to awaken the soul—it is the blast that signals the approach of the King.

At first, only a few stand to greet Him. Then more. Finally, everyone comes together. The sound of the shofar grows louder and deeper. It is a call to return—but also a call to unify. Hashem sees our effort, our return, and ultimately, our sincerity.

We are all on a journey—moving from the outskirts toward the gates. And Hashem, our compassionate King, is ready to forgive, embrace, and uplift us.

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Aryeh Fingerer is a passionate Jewish speaker who connects with readers around the world through his meaningful and relatable divrei Torah. He’s dedicated to spreading positivity and strengthening our bond with Yiddishkeit through stories, insights, and timeless Torah values.
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