A Blessing for the Jewish New Year of 5760
To all the Jewish People,
Righteous Gentiles and Lovers of Israel--Shalom!

It is customary to interpret the Hebrew letters of the new year as an acronym expressing our wishes and prayers for the coming year. The first three letters of every year in this century (5700--hei tav shin) are interpreted as the initial letters of "May this be a year of...." The remaining letter or letters of the date are then interpreted as the initial letters of a word or phrase.

The year 5760, hei tav shin samech, can be read Hayo Tehai Shnat Segulah, meaning: "May this be a year of [revealing] the hidden treasure [the power of miraculous healing, segulah]." The word segulah is a difficult word to translate, in that it has a variety of meanings, including: treasure, remedy, healing power, or virtue. Often, people will employ various segulot to aid in attaining something they desire, for example, one who is in need of livelihood may often give extra charity as a segulah for earning a livelihood. A segulah is thus a Divine, supernatural "cause" (a Divine "treasure-house") for a manifestly good "effect." As we enter the year 5760, we are entering a year in which the treasures and healing powers will be revealed for all to see, as evidenced in the root of the word segulah whose letters form the basis of the expression, sod galui ("the secret revealed"). , meaning: "May this be a year of [revealing] the hidden treasure [the power of miraculous healing, segulah]." The word segulah is a difficult word to translate, in that it has a variety of meanings, including: treasure, remedy, healing power, or virtue. Often, people will employ various segulot to aid in attaining something they desire, for example, one who is in need of livelihood may often give extra charity as a segulah for earning a livelihood. A segulah is thus a Divine, supernatural "cause" (a Divine "treasure-house") for a manifestly good "effect." As we enter the year 5760, we are entering a year in which the treasures and healing powers will be revealed for all to see, as evidenced in the root of the word segulah whose letters form the basis of the expression, sod galui ("the secret revealed").

Every healing power or treasure possesses three "points," as is seen in the three-point configuration of the Hebrew vowel segol, as well as in that of the cantillation mark, segoltah (both the segol and segoltah possess a right, left and middle point; in the segol the middle point is positioned below the right and left points, whereas in the segoltah it is positioned above). Both of these grammatical notations share the same root as the word segulah, and therefore, are intrinsically connected. These figures, in turn, represent specific powers of the soul.

Specifically, the three points of the segol correspond to the property of kindness (the right point), fortitude (the left point) and beauty (the lower middle point). As inner experiential qualities, these three points may be referred to as love, fear and mercy.

The three points of the segoltah allude to the powers of the crown (the higher center point), wisdom (the right point) and understanding (the left point). As inner experiential qualities, they refer to will, selflessness and joy in the soul.

In general, the segulah, the Divine treasure and healing power, as reflected in the temporal condition (the year), possesses the capability to reveal and bring to rectification the inner powers of the soul. The form of the segol and segoltah represents the concept of balance and stability in that it is composed of three points, wherein the middle point synthesizes the two extremes. So too with the idea of a segulah, in that it reestablishes what is either a lost or hidden connection, stabilizing conflicting forces in reality--the left and the right, with the essence of the segulah being the middle. This essence binds together the left and the right by means of shining a higher light in their midst, a light which nullifies the left and the right as distinct, oppositional powers.

In Chassidut it is explained that in contrast to natural healing or conventional medication, a segulah reflects the power of miraculous healing which is above nature--esoteric healing. By means of revealing this hidden dimension--the healing power of the true middle that joins right and left--all the ailments of the world will be healed from Above. All ailments of our world spring out of the confrontation and ensuing tension between the opposition of left and right, whether these tensions be within an individual soul, or between members of society or even nations.

May the healing power of the year 5760 bring upon us and upon all of Israel and mankind goodness and blessing. May the Divine treasure, the innermost secret of G-d's intention and purpose in the creation of the world be revealed to our eyes. This revelation will bring unity to all of mankind. Inspired by the true middle, the right and left will unite in brotherly love and compassion for one another. Then shall we merit to bring to the world the tidings of the complete redemption, with the coming of our righteous Mashiach. Amen.

With blessings to be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet year!

Yitzchak Ginsburgh