Napoleon's March
Napoleon's March is notable for its joyous and rhythmic character. It was performed in 1812 by Napoleon's armies as they crossed the Prussian border during their invasion of Russia. Napoleon insisted that his soldiers sing this march before battle to boost their morale and instill confidence in their victory. Indeed, Napoleon's army initially achieved great success in conquering much of Europe until their eventual defeat by the Russian army.
The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1813), one of the greatest Jewish leaders of his time, strongly opposed Napoleon due to policies detrimental to the spiritual well-being of the Jewish people. The Alter Rebbe played a key role in aiding the Russian Czar in defeating Napoleon and was named an Honorary Citizen due to his efforts.
Once, the Alter Rebbe requested the singing of Napoleon's March and, after a moment's contemplation, he designated the march as a song of victory. Eventually, this song became a Jewish Chassidic melody, traditionally sung in many communities at the conclusion of the Neilah service on Yom Kippur, preceding the sounding of the Shofar and the declaration of "Next Year in Jerusalem."
This tradition symbolizes the transformation of evil to good and the Jewish people's confidence that their prayers have been accepted, ensuring a happy and sweet year ahead.
Yom Kippur is universally recognized as the day of Teshuva and atonement. In English, Teshuva is commonly translated as "repentance." However, it's important to note that "repentance" in Hebrew is not Teshuva but Charatah. These two terms are not only distinct but also represent opposing concepts.
Charatah implies feeling remorse or guilt about the past and a commitment to radically change one's future behavior. It involves a decision to become "a new person."
On the other hand, Teshuvah means "returning" to one's original state, embracing one's inherent nature. The underlying idea of Teshuvah is that a person, at their core, is inherently good.
Temporary negative desires or temptations may lead an individual astray from their true selves, but the wrongdoings do not define or alter one’s genuine nature. Teshuvah is a return to one's authentic self. While repentance entails leaving the past behind and starting afresh, Teshuvah entails returning to one's spiritual roots in G-d and unveiling them as one's true character.
More important than the spiritual upliftment on Yom Kippur is how one conducts themselves in the following days and throughout the year. The joy and confidence expressed at Yom Kippur's conclusion empower individuals to implement the resolutions made during the High Holiday season into their daily lives, leading to a more meaningful and joyful life throughout the year.
This is why the High Holidays are followed immediately by Sukkot, known in the Torah as the "time of joy." After working on Teshuva and strengthening relationships with G-d, family, and acquaintances, we are empowered to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot with joy and unity.
This idea is also expressed in this week's Torah portion, Ha'azinu, which contains a "song" delivered by Moses to the Jewish people on the last day of his earthly life.
The portion begins with "Listen, O heavens, and I will speak! And let the earth hear the words of my mouth!" (Deuteronomy 32:1).
On a literal level, Moses invoked heaven and earth as witnesses to reward the Jewish people for their adherence to Torah and Mitzvot. But on a deeper level, he conveyed a fundamental Jewish principle: bridging the gap between material and spiritual realities.
We must relate to both earth and heaven. For material and spiritual reality are meant to be connected, instead of existing on separate planes. Judaism entails connecting spiritual truth with worldly experience through the study of Torah and the observance of Mitzvot.
In a more particular sense, “the heavens” can be seen as an analogy for the Torah. The Torah is G‑d’s word, and through its study a person comes “close to the heavens,” nearer to spiritual truth.
Mitzvot, by contrast, are often associated with the earth, for their observance involves worldly matters.
After experiencing spiritual elevation during the High Holidays, we must bring that inspiration back to daily life by performing Mitzvot and positively impacting the world around us.
The fusion of "heaven" and "earth" represents the union of material and spiritual aspects of the universe, a theme associated with Redemption, the fulfillment of creation's purpose. May we celebrate this Yom Kippur in Jerusalem with the coming of Moshiach!
