Rabbi Sacks on Rosh HaShana Mahzor, First Day, Leader's Prayer
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PREPARING TO PRAY One Rosh HaShana, Rabbi Menaḥem Mendel of Rimanov turned to the congregation who had come to pray with him, and said: “You are a beautiful congregation, but I alone cannot carry you on my shoulders. Each of you must exercise your own repentance, prayer and charity.” “I dwell…with the one who is of a contrite and humble spirit” (Isaiah 57:15). Repentance begins with humility (Rabbeinu Baḥye). No crown carries such royalty as humility (Rabbi Elazar ben Yehuda Roke’aḥ). One who is a leader in Israel should not think that the Lord of the universe chose him because he is a great individual. If the king chose to hang his crown on a wooden peg in the wall, would the peg boast that its beauty drew the king’s gaze to it? (Rabbi Moshe of Kobryn)