## Rabbi Sacks on Rosh HaShana Mahzor, Second Day, Leader's Prayer

###### Rabbi Sacks on Rosh HaShana Mahzor, Second Day, Leader's Prayer 14
[Rabbi Sacks on Rosh HaShana Mahzor, Second Day, Leader's Prayer 14](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Rabbi%20Sacks%20on%20Rosh%20HaShana%20Mahzor/s/Second%20Day,_Leader%27s%20Prayer/r/14)

**English Edition; Koren Publishers Jerusalem, 2019:**
HINENI – HERE I STAND EMPTY OF DEEDS
A powerful prelude to prayer, said by the *shaliaḥ tzibbur*, the leader of prayer, as the emissary of the congregation, spoken in the tradition of Abraham who, when he prayed, said “I am nothing but dust and ashes” (Gen. 18:27).
It is an immense responsibility to pray on behalf of the community. On public fasts in ancient times – usually proclaimed because of lack of rain – the community would appoint as the leader of prayer one who was familiar with the prayers; possessed a thorough knowledge of Torah, the Prophets and the Writings, Midrash, Halakha and Aggada; who had children but whose house was empty of food; who drew his sustenance from the field; whose household was free of sin and whose youth was free of ill repute; who was meek, acceptable to the people, skilled in chanting, and who had a pleasant voice (*Ta’anit* 16a–b; Maimonides, Laws of Fasts 4:4). In short, he required a combination of learning, virtue, personal involvement in the plight of the community, and humility.
*God teaches Moses how to pray for the people*
And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed: “The Lord, the Lord, compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving-kindness and truth, extending loving-kindness to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion and sin” [Ex. 34:6–7]. Rabbi Yoḥanan said: “Were it not written, it would be impossible to say such a thing, but this verse teaches that the Holy One, blessed be He, wrapped His robe around Him like the leader of the congregation and showed Moses the order of prayer. He said to him: Whenever Israel sins, let them recite this service before Me and I will forgive them.” (*Rosh HaShana* 17b)