Here's a relevant and inspirational message for Rosh Hashana this year that you can think about in Shul or wherever you'll be on Monday:
We constantly reference our male and female ancestors in the prayers of the holiday, but when you think about it, at least two of them might not have been such great examples!
Genesis tells us the story of the blind and elderly Isaac wanting to bless his wild son Esau instead of his righteous son Jacob. In a dramatic episode, Rebecca resorts to deceiving her husband Isaac. She convinces Jacob to dress up like Esau so that their father Isaac should think he is blessing Esau when in reality it is Jacob.
Why would Rebecca deceive her husband in such a manner? Why didn't she resort to the age-old Jewish tradition of Jewish wives criticizing their husbands explicitly?!
The answer is beautiful:
Rebecca, a prophetess in her own right, envisioned a time in the distant future when her righteous son Jacob would be dressed in the clothes of the wild Esau. She foresaw the American Jew: pure at heart but, for all practical purposes, living the life of the gentiles surrounding him.
It was this Jew that Rebecca wanted to include in the magnificent blessing. It wasn't enough that her righteous Jacob would be blessed. The heart of a true Yiddishe Mama needed to ensure that even her wayward son, three thousand years later, would blessed too. She ensured that Jacob was blessed not only when dressed as a Jew, but even when dressed as a gentile.
Meditate on this: Your ancestor Rebecca envisioned you and me thousands of years ago and cared for us. This thought sends both a shudder down my spine as well as a warm, cozy embrace.
She cared for you. Let's be sure to make her proud!