A Three-Part Vow

Tanya begins with a passage from the Talmud: “An oath is administered to the soul before it is born into the world: Be righteous and be not wicked.” The root of the Hebrew word for “oath” connotes not only G-d’s entreaty to the soul; it reveals that through this oath, G-d fills the soul with brimming capacity to accomplish its mission below.

This oath has three meanings: An oath is administered, the soul is empowered, and the seven attributes of the soul are dedicated to this purpose.

Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the birth of Mankind. On this day, the souls of all humanity are re-created anew. Every Rosh Hashanah Eve we prepare not only for our souls to be reborn, but also for our divine oaths to be renewed, and for renewed empowerment in our G-dly mission.