Rosh Hashanah marks the day Adam and Eve were created. It is the birthday of humanity. The mission of mankind began on this day. Therefore, it is, by definition, the New Year for humanity.

Our forefathers—Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—took on the mission. And when G‑d took us out of Egypt, the mission became ours.

What is unique about us humans that enable us to accomplish G‑d’s purpose? Couldn’t the angels do it?

G‑d wants that this physical world be transformed into a place where His presence could dwell openly. He created this world unfinished and put us in it to transform it. We are his greatest masterpiece; we are different from all other creations. Without us the world is like a fish tank—void of any meaning, with the sole function of being observed.

An angel is spiritual, holy and powerful, but it lacks freedom of choice. The physical world is not his domain. G‑d sends angels on all kinds of missions, but not being of this world, they cannot transform it.

We, on the other hand, are a fusion of soul and body. We have a physical body that is drawn to earthly pleasures and a neshamah (G‑dly soul) that is drawn to everything G‑dly and holy. While our body is part of the world, the neshamah, being a part of G‑d, transcends all physical and spiritual realms. Being part of G‑d, it has the creative ability to transform this unfinished world.

Every time we do a mitzvah, we infuse the physical objects used with holiness. Every time you say words of Torah or prayer, you transform the place, infusing it with holiness. When you do everyday things with the intention of serving G‑d (for example, if you work to support your family, so that you can bring them up in the ways of our Torah), everything connected to your actions becomes sacred. Every aspect of life becomes a holy endeavor.

With time, the world will be transformed into a dwelling fit for G‑d. At that time, our work finishing creation will be done and Moshiach will come.

May he come soon.

Have a happy and sweet year!