Kingship: King or Ruler? Our Choice One of the main components to the theme of Rosh Hashanah is that of Kingship. We are able to recognize Hashem as King and Ruler of the entire world. In the repetition of Mussaf, we recite 10 verses of Hashem’s sovereignty, starting at the end of the paragraph “Al Kein.” We are told that are purpose in this world is to publicize the name of G-D, and glorify him, and that is why the creation on man was the climax of Hashem”s handiwork, as it created the opportunity for this purpose. The question is - why? What is this idea of a “King?” Does Hashem need importance? Is this a display of vanity?
To answer this question, let us first understand the definition of a king. A king is the organizing power of his country. He uses his absolute and unparalleled power to channel the energies and resourses of his people towards a greater benefit. Needless to say, there have been very few such Monarchs in the past, but for the moment let us deal with ideals. Seen in this light, we can understand that it does not a matter of G-D Chas Vesholm needing himself to be seen as king - rather that we see him and accept him as king. By becoming his subjects, we join in the mission for which he created the universe. And by proclaiming his sovereignty, we declare ourselves ready to make creation worthwhile.
There are two words to describe a Monarch in Hebrew, a Melech – a king, or a Moshel – a ruler. What is the difference between the two? A Moshel rules against the wishes of his people, what we might nowadays call a dictator, a tyrant. A Melech on the other hand, although an absolute power, rules with the consent and recognition of his subjects. He may have to be strict, even harsh, but he is wise and his power is translated from word to deed by the acknowledgement of his people.
In accordance with the themes of the day, the Mussaf Amida is split in to three parts: Kingship, Remembrance and Shofar Blasts. As mentioned above, there are 10 Pesukim inserted into Kingship during the repetition. One of them says “Vayehi Beshurun Melech – And he became king in Yeshurun.” Eretz Yisroel is called ‘Yeshurun,’ from the word ‘yashar,’ which means upright.
Therefore the Pasuk says that when Eretz Yisroel is worthy of being called Shurun, it proclaims Hashem as king. According to the Soforno, this refers to the people’s acceptance of the Torah. It was then that Hashem was crowned king.
Before the paragraph preceding the Shofar Blasts, we say the Possuk of Shema. Although kingship is not prevalent here, the very fact that Hashem is the ‘one and only’ is a declaration of complete sovereignty, (Gemora Rosh Hashanah 32) since it means it is dependent on no one, and everything is dependent on him. Hashem is creator and master of the whole world but will we allow him to be our beloved king? It’s our choice…
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