Hamelech - R. Ari Neuwirth - TorahAnytime.com

we say recite the words Hadassah love. Today is the birthday of the world. Who created the world? Hashem. The Rebbe shlita. That's what this day is all about. To recognize the only reason we are here, I am here, you are here, is because of Hashem's benevolence. That's what today is all about. Let me share with you a story. Fascinating story that highlights this. It was the year of September 11th, which is going to be 25 years ago, quarter of a century, when the two planes hit the World Trade Center, causing it the two World Trade Centers' iconic towers in New York, United States, and the world to crumble to smoke and to ashes and the unfortunate loss of lives. That year on Erev Rosh Hashanah Rebbe Moshe Weinberg, the Rav of Aish HaTorah in Long Island, receives a call from one of his congregants at 3:00 in the afternoon. Rebbe Moshe Weinberg answers the phone and he says, "Who's there?" Shloime. Shloime, what's the matter? I hear a lot of noises. What's going on?" He says, "Rebbe, you're not going to believe where I am." "Where are you?" "I'm at Ground Zero." "Ground Zero? How are you at Ground Zero? Only police and FBI could be there. How'd you get in?" He says, "Rav, never mind how I got in. I got in." "Okay, my second question. Why are you there? It's Erev Rosh Hashanah, it's 3:00 in the afternoon. What are you doing at Ground Zero? He says, "Rabbi, because I wanted to do one thing. I wanted to scream on the top of my lungs, Hamelech." And I did. I got the message. Hashem, you did this. Hashem, you orchestrated this. I am listening. Tatte, ich hör dich. >> [snorts] >> I HEAR YOU. That's the message of Rosh Hashanah, Aseres Yemei Teshuvah, and Yom Kippur. Hamelech. Hashem is saying, "Do you hear me?" That's what it's all about.