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The head controls all of the body's functions, even those of the nervous system and heart. A person's health depends on the health of the head—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Calling the first day of the year “Head of the Year,” teaches us that this holiday determines what will happen to us during all of the other days of the year.
Rosh Hashanah is a day designated for joyfully accepting G-d's supremacy and authority, and resolving to be a better servant of His. We coronate G-d as King over the world and our personal life. We make New Year’s resolutions, desiring to deepen our connection to G-d and make Him the active focus of our lives. In achieving these Rosh Hashanah goals, we create a healthy “Head of the Year” and thereby guarantee that the whole new year should be “good and sweet.”
The primary faculty invested in the head is the ability to discern: between right and left, black and white, good and bad, right and wrong. On Rosh Hashanah we are asked to take a close, honest look at ourselves and distinguish the aspects of our individual personas which need improvement – to the greatest detail possible. Not only are we judged from Above (i.e. were we “right” or “wrong”), but the very way in which each of us approaches our ability – and responsibility – to actively direct our actions effects the course of the coming year.
The “Head of the Year” challenges us to examine ourselves and discriminate our past and future bearings. What do I regret? What still needs improvement? How shall I go about perfecting myself?
In addition, the word “hashanah” can also be related to the Hebrew word meaning “altered,” “transformed,” or “changed.” Thus, "Rosh Hashanah" can mean "a changed head" – or a new, transformed state of consciousness. In short, Rosh Hashanah beckons each one of us to prepare for a new reality, both in our own personal spheres, as well as that of the entire Creation.
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