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Rosh HaShannah is a time of renewal. Through teshuvah we prepare ourselves to face the L’RD: Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King) on the day of judgment for the New Year. Through proper reflection, and rooting out our sins before that day, we hope to begin the New Year with resolve to start anew. In regard to the renewal of the moon, when the first sliver of the new moon becomes visible, it is written that it is a time of atonement (Rosh Chodesh musaf service). The waning of the moon, when it is completely diminished by the end of the month, serves to remind us of our own deficiencies, faults, and weaknesses. Similarily, in regard to the end of the year, when the moon wanes towards the end of Elul; at this time, what merit can we claim of our own in our lives over the past year? We beseech the L’RD for mercy. We would like to be judged favorably, so we make an accounting of the soul (heshbon hanefesh), in order that our conscience will permit ourselves to stand before the King. According to the Zohar, “You are standing today, all of you before AD’NAI your G’d’” (Deuteronomy 29:10, TLV) refers to Rosh HaShannah, when we stand before H’Shem in judgment for the New Year. When we examine our conscience, we may be brought to a place of moral compunction as a result of guilt and remorse. Traditipnally, any judgments against us for the year may be diminished through our efforts at “teshuvah, tefillah, and tsedokah,” the mitvoth that “avert the severity of the decree.” During the Ten Days of Repentance, also known as the Days of Awe, between Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur, we search our souls for the flaws that need to be brought into the light. “The spirit of man is the lamp of the AD’NAI, searching all his inmost being” Proverbs 20:27, Tree of Life Version May we be aided by His light to examine ourselves every day, in respect to our conscience, character, and behavior. Also, may we keep in mind that our thoughts and speech will be taken into account, as well as our mitzvot (2 Corinthians 5:10). How can we stand before the L'RD on the Day of Judgment? “Let us examine and test our ways, and return to the AD’NAI” (Lamentations 3:40, TLV). And, where we fall short of the mark, we may turn towards the Advocate, whom G'd has designated for us, for he will plead our cause before the Heavenly Tribunal (1 John 2:1).