The response to our short film, “Who Shall Live,” has been overwhelming. We have been inundated with comments by people who have been deeply affected by the images and music that have been attached to the words of this very solemn and climactic High Holiday prayer, Unetaneh Tokef (lit.: “Let us describe…”). The vast majority of comments are from people who were positively affected by the film, but at the same time we recognize that not everyone has reacted to the film equally. We thank everyone for the comments – both the positive and the negative.
I would like to take a moment and reflect upon the two major objections we have received about the film: (1) How can we attribute the events depicted in the film to God? Is God so cruel as to have killed tens of thousands in a cyclone in Myanmar, for example? (2) Why is the film so dark, emphasizing the “scary” parts of life? Does Judaism advocate motivating people by fear into being religious? Whatever happened to serving God out of love?
To be sure, these questions are extremely valid. At the same time, we observe that these are not questions on our film; they are, rather, questions to be raised about the prayer itself, Unetaneh Tokef, and the great prominence that it occupies in our prayer service. Had we chosen some minor little ditty of a prayer that is rarely uttered, or had we quoted the prayer out of context, one could have taken us to task. We believe, however, that we have been faithful to the theme of the prayer, which describes God’s direct involvement in all worldly affairs, both global and personal, and which was designed to instill the worshipper with awe about the Day of Judgment (these are, after all, called Days of Awe (Yamim Nora’im)!).
(1) To address the issue of God’s causation of suffering in this world:
Our film does not in any way presume to correlate human behavior to God’s system of Divine retribution. It is self-evident from the world around us that good people regularly suffer while bad people regularly prosper. The issue of theodicy, or understanding why God allows evil and suffering to run rampant in the world, is not the subject of our film, nor is it the subject of Unetaneh Tokef. The prayer instead focuses on the simple acknowledgment that all that happens in this world is by the hand of God. This is clearly the traditional Jewish view. True, our rabbis debate what precisely is meant by God’s providence over the world (e.g, does He actually kill people, or does He merely “look the other way” and allow them to die, etc.), but everyone still ends up at the same destination, that God is responsible for both the good and the bad in this world.
The last line does state that man can play a role in the things that happen to him. “Repentance, prayer and charity” do make a difference. But note that it does NOT say that these three things can always succeed in averting the decree. They can, rather, avert the evil (or harshness) of the decree. Sometimes, bad things will happen to good people. But even when they do have to happen for reasons known to God alone, one’s execution of these three things can succeed in taking some of the “bite” out of the tragedy.
We are aware that many non-traditionalists have trouble with the theology of this prayer. We aren’t here to debate those views. If you hold those views, God bless you, and you are free to provide input about your beliefs. We’d love to hear how you come to grips with this prayer while in synagogue or temple over the holidays. Be prepared to debate your fellow bloggers!
(2) To address the negative, fear-based theme of the prayer:
Note that the opening line of the prayer is:
Let us describe the power of the holiness of this day, for it is awesome and frightening.
The prayer then proceeds to describe how God carefully pores over His records of each individual’s behavior, and judges all people on this day, “like a shepherd pasturing his flock, having his sheep pass one by one underneath his staff.” The prayer is unambiguous about its message: Each person is judged during the High Holidays. God decides for the coming year how many shall leave this world, how many shall come into this world, who will live, and who will die.
At that point in the prayer, the liturgist expounds on the words, “who will die.” Apparently it’s not sufficient to think about the prospect of death, we’ve got to make it more graphic and real. And so, different kinds of death are detailed:
Who in his time, and who before his time; who by water, who by fire, who by sword, who by wild beast, who by famine, who by thirst, who by storm, who by plague, who by strangulation, and who by stoning.
Ask yourself: Why all this detailing on “Who will die?” Why not devote a series of descriptions to “Who will live?” The answer should be fairly obvious: The theme of this prayer is to instill us with the proper fear to do the three things listed at the end of the prayer: “Repentance, prayer, and charity,” which, as we mentioned, remove the harshness of the decree.
Does that mean that Judaism is a religion based on fear? Yes, partially. It is a religion based on both fear and love. Our sages tell us that one should strive to instill oneself with both fear and love of God. Fear of God prevents one from rebelling against any one particular mitzvah (commandment); love of God prevents one from becoming estranged and dissatisfied with the religious system altogether (see Talmud Yerushalmi Brachot 9:5; see also Rabbi Dessler’s Michtav MeEliyahu, vol. 3, pp. 45-46).
Furthermore, fear/awe of God is a necessary prerequisite to the acquisition of love of God. That is, the progression of one’s spiritual growth is to first obey the commandments out of a sense of duty, reverence, awe, fear of retribution, etc. Only after one has internalized the necessity for religious service, may he/she progress to the higher level of service motivated out of love for God.
By analogy, most children love their parents. But if a child does not realize that there are consequences for his/her behavior, love of one’s parent is not a sufficient motivator for the child to always obey the parent’s wishes. The child must know that there are consequences if he/she disobeys Mommy or Daddy. We must first acknowledge that there are consequences for our behavior – scary consequences. Once you’ve internalized this, you are ready to start loving God.
To be sure, there are times when Judaism emphasizes love of God over fear – the Sabbath, the Festivals, Channukah, Purim, etc. But the Days of Awe – the beginning of the Jewish year – is the one time in our calendar where the motivating factor is the very basic emotion of awe and fear of God. We tried to convey this with the opening scene of the sun rising over the planet Earth. What an awesome view God must have!
Judaism emphasizes that God is not only just, but loving and compassionate to all His creatures. God’s love is far greater than any human being’s love. We use prayers like Unetaneh Tokef to “get into the zone,” and really feel that we are standing before God in awesome judgment at the very moment that we recite the words. Once we are in that special place, we can pour out our hearts and appeal to God to shower us with His infinite love and mercy.
There’s obviously much more to discuss, and we encourage those interested in the theological issues raised by the Unetaneh Tokef prayer to go to a Judaica store and purchase a book about the Days of Awe. There is no shortage of good reading for the High Holidays! Days of Awe by Agnon is just one oldie but goodie, and there are many, many more.
Thank you again for all your comments. I apologize for not having the time to respond to each and every one of you individually.
Best wishes for the coming year. May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life.
With fear of God and love for my fellow man,
Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, producer
By: whoshalllive on September 25, 2008 at 6:47 am
very nicely done!
Kativa VChatima Tova U’mTuka!
By: Aaron on September 25, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Beatifully creative and sensitive.
You can be proud!
By: Bernard Schreft on September 25, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Thank you so much for this truly awe-inspiring video. I pray that I can recall the emotion that it evoked in me so that during davening, I will recall that awe and all the emotions I felt watching the video to help my kavanah, before the book is closed and sealed. May everyone who sees this be able to get the message that speaks to them to inspire them. May we all be blessed with a sweet year, a year of peace, good health and prosperity, feeling closer to HaShem and to our fellow human beings. Amen.
By: Bryna Lee Jacobson on September 25, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Thank you so much. It was an incredible video. It was extremely well done and it touched me and everyone I have spoken to in a way that should really make you proud. I’m sure you will receive a lot of schar in Olam Haba for helping so many people feel the awe of this day. Thank You again. Kesiva Vichasima Tova.
By: Atara on September 26, 2008 at 12:46 am
I am VERY impressed with this film! What a critical message to share with the world in these times – may you have much success with spreading this film throughout the world. Shana Tova!
By: Ari Abramowitz on September 26, 2008 at 10:33 am
I am gratified to see such a beautifully touching film being circulated on the web. We lament the lack of recognition that life is a test . Yet the Unesaneh Tokef prayer and your video not only highlights, the fact that we have been tested and judged this past year but also, that G-d gives us the opportunity to have a Do Over in the coming year. May the Awe of the day inspire us to grow to recognize G-ds love for us and to love Him in return
Would you mind making a translation of the prayer into English available (subtitles), so that those who do not speak Hebrew and are unfamiliar with Judiaca will be able to get a better sense of the film as it is being viewed? I am sure that there are many Gentiles who would benefit by being exposed to the heart of the words of Judiasm.
By: Tom Duregger on September 26, 2008 at 3:32 pm
all i can say is wow! extremely powerful. went straight thru me to my soul. leaves me speechless.
By: deena on September 26, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Rabbi Korobkin, et al-
Yasher Koach yet again. This was powerful and poignant. I was particularly touched when I saw the picture of my dear friend, Naftali, z”l, included in the video. I pray this creative group of talented people has the strength and resources to continue making fine, educational material like this in the coming years. Thanks you again!
By: Eddie Rosenberg on September 26, 2008 at 9:41 pm
What an enormous impact this powerful film is going to make.
Thank you.
By: Roberta Lander on September 27, 2008 at 3:12 pm
thank you for giving me the correct mindset for the new year!
By: anonymous on September 28, 2008 at 1:14 am
Very powerful. Thank you.
By: Silky Pitterman on September 28, 2008 at 2:49 am
What a wonderful, meaningful, important presentation. Thank you so much and l’shana tovah.
By: RPG - Toledo on September 28, 2008 at 3:51 am
Wow, thank you
By: Anonymous on September 28, 2008 at 11:53 am
Although this was a nicely produced short film…. I’m not sure what message it intended to convey. The producer of the film attempted to address this issue in his comments above but I find them unsatisfying.
By: Anonymous on September 28, 2008 at 1:52 pm
A terrific production, bringing the tangible daily news to appropriate meaning in the Days of Awe. The devastation in the third world, with the astounding numbers of people losing their life, still recieves short shrift. May we all yearn to elevate all human life to meaning and growth.
By: Stuart on September 28, 2008 at 4:30 pm
this video was awe inspiring – things that happen that we never think about are all inscribed one yr prior. i showed this to my class (11th graders) we all usually dont like these Rosh Hashona things but this was amazing!!!
By: Aleeza on September 28, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Wow – masterpiece. Scary – what a year it’s been. Let’s hope the coming year we will bring only good things. We need to pray really hard, repent, feel sorry to those who one has wronged, make peace with all. Give more charity, not get angry over little things. Appreciate what we have. If you read the great book “Small Miracles of the Holocaust” by Yitta Mandelbaum & Judith Leventhal, it will help you appreciate everything in life. Hard to complain about anything after reading that book.
K’siva V’chasima to all.
Great thanks to all those involved with this awesome, incredible video. Extremely professional – couldn’t have done a better job.
– Chaya
By: Chaya on September 28, 2008 at 5:05 pm
A beautiful opportunity to pause and reflect on the blessings of God. We seek blessings of health, safety, food, etc., but as I was pondering the topic of blessings a few years ago, I was moved to ask myself what God sees as blessings in our lives.
The answer that came to me almost at once is that He sees as blessings those things that bring us closer to Him. Thus, while we seek the pleasant, safe and secure things of life as blessings, from His perspective it is more often the trials, the problems and the trouble that we face that serve as blessings, as they humble us and drive us to prayer and pondering on our condition before God, and give us opportunities to serve our fellow men. After all, if no one ever suffered any adversity, what opportunities would we ever have to serve?
Of course, adversity does not compel us to seek God, but it can strip away many of the distractions, and in my mind at least, this is an adequate explanation of why an all-powerful, loving God can allow evil and misfortune to afflict us. It is not His purpose to “bless” us with a life of ease, comfort, and wealth, but rather to give us the opportunities to demonstrate whether we will choose good or evil, love or hate, generosity or selfishness, honesty or deceit, even when the right choice is not easy.
And as for death, we are ALL going to die. It is perhaps the most universal facet of all human existence. Thus, if we accept the existence of God, and know and understand that He loves us, then the how and when of our deaths becomes less important than the quality of our lives. And for certain, if this life is all there is, then God cannot be a just god, but that argument does not worry me. I really do trust Him.
By: Gordon Foreman on September 28, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Great job. Thank you so much. I think you can accomplish more by watching this short video than by listening to hours of shiurim.
By: Perry on September 28, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Very moving. I watched it with my 12 and 16 year old children to help them prepare for the holiday and put them in the right mindset in order to help them to pray meaningfully. thank you.
By: Lorri on September 29, 2008 at 12:17 am
Posted link to the video on my Bnei Noach blog.
Gave more tzedakah. I opened my pushka right at the tzedakah line at the end.
Power video although you are not doing the endangered wild life species any favor the way you have portrayed them.
Sharks may soon become extinct http://www.sharkwater.com/synopsis.htm
an important documentary on the exploitation of sharks.
Grizzly bears need our protection
and how few tigers we have left
Pinchas: Half the point of YouTube videos is that you can embed them on any page you want. Click the symbol on the lower right hand corner and get the HTML code for embedding…
By: Shmuel on September 29, 2008 at 4:45 pm
The netana tokef always sends shivers through me, add those drums, and I’m finished. Thanks. Fantastic. I linked to it.
By: Steven D. Siegel on October 1, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I found this video to be very touching and extremely Inspirational. Let us all be inscribed in the book of life, with blessings and peace! Best wishes to everyone for a Shannah Tova u`Metukah, a good and sweet year for the entire world.
By: Lori on October 1, 2008 at 11:34 pm
My daughter sent me your video as a Rosh Hashanah greeting. It was awesome and moving. As it says in Nitzavim there are hidden things than only Hashem knows and revealed things that are for us so that we can carry out the words of the Torah. Additionally, it is not in the heavens for you to say who can ascend to the heavens….or who can cross the seas…. We have choices and with the Torah we have the tools to make those choices. In any event, as demonstrated in the Akedah and in the Unetaneh Tokef, Hashem is king, the supreme being, and we are merely humans who were created in Hashem’s` image. Hashem is just and has rachmoness even if at time we cannot understand the whys. The hard part is recognizing Hashem’s supremacy. We can neither know or control everything. To think that we can is the height of arrogance.
By: Jim Karesh on October 2, 2008 at 1:17 am
Thank you! I admit that i have a hard time concentrating during prayer, especially during rosh hashanah, but this year, as we sang unetaneh tokef, i I saw the pictures from your movie as i said each line,and it made my rosh hashanah truly inspiring
By: perel on October 2, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I am so grateful to the person who forwarded the link to me. The video totally captured my imagination and transported me to a spiritual place as I watched the images pass before my eyes. It made concrete every possibility enumerated in the “Unetanah Tokef” prayer, and has made me think long and hard about what I, as a Jew, can and must do to avert the harsh decree: repent, pray and give tzedakah. Thank you for a very moving experience.
L’shanah tova, tik’tevu
By: Caryle on October 2, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Just wonderful. Stirring.
By: Roseann on October 3, 2008 at 8:38 pm
it was great!!
i hope i would have seen it before rosh hashana.
By: ionathan on October 5, 2008 at 12:45 am
A wonderfully moving piece for any time of year. Thank you for the experience that I will share with others.
Shalom
By: Lonnie on October 5, 2008 at 3:28 am
Not only does the film set the tone for the Days of Awe, it brings us to our senses: we are powerless when it comes to the final decree. We can make decisions to help ourselves, but in the end, we sign the book for the coming year. After losing both a beloved brother in a tragic accident on September 8 and my Uncle on September 9, I can tell you that your film “Who Shall Live” brought me to my knees.
Where can I find the version of the song you used in the video?
By: Rachel on October 5, 2008 at 6:32 pm
If people (non Jews) would life according to the seven Noachidic- and the Jews to the 10 commandments, the world was like the garden of Eden.
By: Moshe on October 5, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Thank you for remembering the abandoned from Kush Katif, Regev and Goldwasser, and Sderot, and hope this year will bring them and their families comfort and relief. Shana Tova, Gmar H atima Tova!
By: Terri on October 5, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Nice video. However, as this is posted on the world wide web, however much you may want to avoid the theodicic conatations, to the non-jew it will apear exactly as that. You can decide for yourselves whether that’s a good thing or bad thing.
Shanna Tova and G’Mar Chatimah Tova to you all.
By: Stuart in London on October 5, 2008 at 11:18 pm
The video accurately portrays the issues and thoughts which cross my mind during the H.H.D (High Holy Days). I like the video, I love it, find it very moving and well-produced. My main reason for posting is that I wanted the people involved to know that your video made it all the way to Carolina Beach, NC. As far east as you can go here in the Old North State.
Thank you very much for posting this video.
You have made a big change in many lives – i and many others are very inspired.
Have a healthy and happy year.
By: rivka on October 6, 2008 at 10:49 pm
A Christian friend forwarded this to me…and I saved it until tonight to view. While walking across the local dam on our lake, observing the breathtaking sunset, I passed a Jewess walking and praying, and I knew she was in tune with G-d.
Your video was superb and it would do the whole world good to stop and watch and listen to its message.
Shalom
Thank you for bringing the world problems to us in the present and reminding us of Biblical times as well. I am deeply touched by this beautiful and meaningful video. Lest we forget…our problems never cease. A question for Ari Levinson..do the names Roland and Esther mean something to you? Have a healthy and happy New Year.
By: Bobbie Levinson Galex on October 8, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I just wanted to know, that if G-d forbid your loved one dies, would you use their pic in the video next year?
By: S.M. on October 8, 2008 at 5:58 pm
A friend of mine said to me that If I’m a believer then I must see this video. I watched it anyway and found it to be very creative
I don’t know what to think about God, mainly because of my CSI everyday experiance… go tell a mother that her baby’s death is God’s will or a husband that his wife’s rape is part of God’s plan… and that all the suffering around us is part of a greater devine agenda. I’m sorry but I’m in conflict here… I was raised Jewish and now, after 4.5 decades, from my point of view, God doesn’t exist or just doesn’t care.
Shana Tova
By: Shaughan in Israel on October 9, 2008 at 2:37 pm
World events should shake every single human being to their core today. People should not mindlessly listen to the news and hear about human tragedies and not FEEL. This video should awaken every passive human to try to take positive action, to make a difference, and to realize that we are all affected by world events. In order for a difference to affect the world-change occurs through every individual soul through one’s thoughts, talk, and action. Teshuva means returning to your essence, opening your soul-truthfully looking at who you are. Prayer is the soul’s act of communication, speaking the desire for change. In order for the process to take root and make the difference there must be a positive act of charity. (Charity can mean be kind to the unfortunate, resolving to help one person, and in the literal sense-to make a contribution). Your video is fantastic!
By: Tzippy on October 9, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Both the video (and the response) are superb! I received it only today, but its power is undiminished. Great work – a totally useful investment of time, talent and money.
A gut yahr!
By: D. Botnick on October 10, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I love the video and responses, but one interpretation is lacking which I would like to express. Although some might criticize the parts of this film as negative–I see it more as a positive one in regard to man’s eyes as he/she stands in shul davening this time of year for forgiveness and is reflecting on “his” relationship with G-d. This is a film that shows our global connection that is not confined solely to the limiting walls of the temple, but like the cry of the shofar it is an awakening to all mankind and offers a visual interpretation on how all men are connected through G-d, therefore all of man’s suffering reflects our suffering too as well as our joys. How each of us, affects each other on levels only G-d can understand. I hope this interpretation will broaden our prayers to reflect not only ourselves but, those on a global level and enhance our connectedness to each other through G-d this New Year for then there will finally be Peace.
By: Sharon April Miller on October 10, 2008 at 9:44 pm
A most incredible and moving video. The song is sung beautifully and full of emotion.
I am sure this video/email has now travlleled the world round and I hope that all the tefillos of Klall Yisroel also travel round the world and that we should be zoicher to have our tefillos answered L’toivoh.
Well done to everyone involved.
G’mar Chasimah Tovah
By: KB on October 12, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Is there any way to get an MP3 of the music?
By: YC on October 16, 2008 at 6:20 pm
THANK YOU !!!!!!
I AM SO MOVED I WANT TO CRY.
” KOL HAKAVOD”
WORDS ARE TOO POOR TO DESCRIBE
THE EFFECT IT HAS ON ME…
GOD BLESS.
EDNA
STATE OF ISRAEL
By: EDNA on October 18, 2008 at 6:19 pm
My first attempt at complimenting the video was worded awkwardly. Please give me another chance? I truly did love the video, and I did email it to all my friends and family. All those who were involved in the making of it are extremely gifted, and it touched me deeply. Thank you!
Saw it last year. saw it again this year. So powerful!
By: tuli klein on September 15, 2009 at 12:57 am
i alson saw it last year and again this year. i remembered it and realized that if i wanted tmy rosh hashanah to be uplifted the way it was last yeear as a result of this video, i should watch it again. i know the events are a year old but i remember them just as clearly and the message is just as strong and powerful. a major yasher koach to you and may you recieve all the schar for those of us whose tefillos were said differently because of this. Thank you!
gemar chasima tova!
By: chaya on September 22, 2009 at 4:12 am
if you are the bernard with the greenman group i want u to know
that a gentleman by the name of lance mirrer cooper c ity fla is using sundance on stirling hoa federal employee id number which canot be used by his name
once it has been desolved. that is id theft
pls contact me because i am a jew like u and he is hurting a lot of people.
may G_D richly bless u
By: judith zultak on April 1, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Come to see us contemporary to obtain more information and facts in the matter of Akwaria
It is important that you make one of these videos once, every year, at this time, to reflect the prior year’s events. This work that you have completed is very important – and should continue.
By: Anonymous on September 12, 2011 at 5:11 am
AMAZING. Thank you for this mazing video which inspired me and many of my friedns. It really gets one into the mood of the Rosh Hashanah,
Who Shall Live Blog 
Dear Friends,
The response to our short film, “Who Shall Live,” has been overwhelming. We have been inundated with comments by people who have been deeply affected by the images and music that have been attached to the words of this very solemn and climactic High Holiday prayer, Unetaneh Tokef (lit.: “Let us describe…”). The vast majority of comments are from people who were positively affected by the film, but at the same time we recognize that not everyone has reacted to the film equally. We thank everyone for the comments – both the positive and the negative.
I would like to take a moment and reflect upon the two major objections we have received about the film: (1) How can we attribute the events depicted in the film to God? Is God so cruel as to have killed tens of thousands in a cyclone in Myanmar, for example? (2) Why is the film so dark, emphasizing the “scary” parts of life? Does Judaism advocate motivating people by fear into being religious? Whatever happened to serving God out of love?
To be sure, these questions are extremely valid. At the same time, we observe that these are not questions on our film; they are, rather, questions to be raised about the prayer itself, Unetaneh Tokef, and the great prominence that it occupies in our prayer service. Had we chosen some minor little ditty of a prayer that is rarely uttered, or had we quoted the prayer out of context, one could have taken us to task. We believe, however, that we have been faithful to the theme of the prayer, which describes God’s direct involvement in all worldly affairs, both global and personal, and which was designed to instill the worshipper with awe about the Day of Judgment (these are, after all, called Days of Awe (Yamim Nora’im)!).
(1) To address the issue of God’s causation of suffering in this world:
Our film does not in any way presume to correlate human behavior to God’s system of Divine retribution. It is self-evident from the world around us that good people regularly suffer while bad people regularly prosper. The issue of theodicy, or understanding why God allows evil and suffering to run rampant in the world, is not the subject of our film, nor is it the subject of Unetaneh Tokef. The prayer instead focuses on the simple acknowledgment that all that happens in this world is by the hand of God. This is clearly the traditional Jewish view. True, our rabbis debate what precisely is meant by God’s providence over the world (e.g, does He actually kill people, or does He merely “look the other way” and allow them to die, etc.), but everyone still ends up at the same destination, that God is responsible for both the good and the bad in this world.
The last line does state that man can play a role in the things that happen to him. “Repentance, prayer and charity” do make a difference. But note that it does NOT say that these three things can always succeed in averting the decree. They can, rather, avert the evil (or harshness) of the decree. Sometimes, bad things will happen to good people. But even when they do have to happen for reasons known to God alone, one’s execution of these three things can succeed in taking some of the “bite” out of the tragedy.
We are aware that many non-traditionalists have trouble with the theology of this prayer. We aren’t here to debate those views. If you hold those views, God bless you, and you are free to provide input about your beliefs. We’d love to hear how you come to grips with this prayer while in synagogue or temple over the holidays. Be prepared to debate your fellow bloggers!
(2) To address the negative, fear-based theme of the prayer:
Note that the opening line of the prayer is:
Let us describe the power of the holiness of this day, for it is awesome and frightening.
The prayer then proceeds to describe how God carefully pores over His records of each individual’s behavior, and judges all people on this day, “like a shepherd pasturing his flock, having his sheep pass one by one underneath his staff.” The prayer is unambiguous about its message: Each person is judged during the High Holidays. God decides for the coming year how many shall leave this world, how many shall come into this world, who will live, and who will die.
At that point in the prayer, the liturgist expounds on the words, “who will die.” Apparently it’s not sufficient to think about the prospect of death, we’ve got to make it more graphic and real. And so, different kinds of death are detailed:
Who in his time, and who before his time; who by water, who by fire, who by sword, who by wild beast, who by famine, who by thirst, who by storm, who by plague, who by strangulation, and who by stoning.
Ask yourself: Why all this detailing on “Who will die?” Why not devote a series of descriptions to “Who will live?” The answer should be fairly obvious: The theme of this prayer is to instill us with the proper fear to do the three things listed at the end of the prayer: “Repentance, prayer, and charity,” which, as we mentioned, remove the harshness of the decree.
Does that mean that Judaism is a religion based on fear? Yes, partially. It is a religion based on both fear and love. Our sages tell us that one should strive to instill oneself with both fear and love of God. Fear of God prevents one from rebelling against any one particular mitzvah (commandment); love of God prevents one from becoming estranged and dissatisfied with the religious system altogether (see Talmud Yerushalmi Brachot 9:5; see also Rabbi Dessler’s Michtav MeEliyahu, vol. 3, pp. 45-46).
Furthermore, fear/awe of God is a necessary prerequisite to the acquisition of love of God. That is, the progression of one’s spiritual growth is to first obey the commandments out of a sense of duty, reverence, awe, fear of retribution, etc. Only after one has internalized the necessity for religious service, may he/she progress to the higher level of service motivated out of love for God.
By analogy, most children love their parents. But if a child does not realize that there are consequences for his/her behavior, love of one’s parent is not a sufficient motivator for the child to always obey the parent’s wishes. The child must know that there are consequences if he/she disobeys Mommy or Daddy. We must first acknowledge that there are consequences for our behavior – scary consequences. Once you’ve internalized this, you are ready to start loving God.
To be sure, there are times when Judaism emphasizes love of God over fear – the Sabbath, the Festivals, Channukah, Purim, etc. But the Days of Awe – the beginning of the Jewish year – is the one time in our calendar where the motivating factor is the very basic emotion of awe and fear of God. We tried to convey this with the opening scene of the sun rising over the planet Earth. What an awesome view God must have!
Judaism emphasizes that God is not only just, but loving and compassionate to all His creatures. God’s love is far greater than any human being’s love. We use prayers like Unetaneh Tokef to “get into the zone,” and really feel that we are standing before God in awesome judgment at the very moment that we recite the words. Once we are in that special place, we can pour out our hearts and appeal to God to shower us with His infinite love and mercy.
There’s obviously much more to discuss, and we encourage those interested in the theological issues raised by the Unetaneh Tokef prayer to go to a Judaica store and purchase a book about the Days of Awe. There is no shortage of good reading for the High Holidays! Days of Awe by Agnon is just one oldie but goodie, and there are many, many more.
Thank you again for all your comments. I apologize for not having the time to respond to each and every one of you individually.
Best wishes for the coming year. May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life.
With fear of God and love for my fellow man,
Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, producer
By: whoshalllive on September 25, 2008
at 6:47 am
very nicely done!
Kativa VChatima Tova U’mTuka!
By: Aaron on September 25, 2008
at 3:20 pm
Beatifully creative and sensitive.
You can be proud!
By: Bernard Schreft on September 25, 2008
at 10:51 pm
Thank you so much for this truly awe-inspiring video. I pray that I can recall the emotion that it evoked in me so that during davening, I will recall that awe and all the emotions I felt watching the video to help my kavanah, before the book is closed and sealed. May everyone who sees this be able to get the message that speaks to them to inspire them. May we all be blessed with a sweet year, a year of peace, good health and prosperity, feeling closer to HaShem and to our fellow human beings. Amen.
By: Bryna Lee Jacobson on September 25, 2008
at 11:17 pm
Thank you so much. It was an incredible video. It was extremely well done and it touched me and everyone I have spoken to in a way that should really make you proud. I’m sure you will receive a lot of schar in Olam Haba for helping so many people feel the awe of this day. Thank You again. Kesiva Vichasima Tova.
By: Atara on September 26, 2008
at 12:46 am
I am VERY impressed with this film! What a critical message to share with the world in these times – may you have much success with spreading this film throughout the world. Shana Tova!
By: Ari Abramowitz on September 26, 2008
at 10:33 am
I am gratified to see such a beautifully touching film being circulated on the web. We lament the lack of recognition that life is a test . Yet the Unesaneh Tokef prayer and your video not only highlights, the fact that we have been tested and judged this past year but also, that G-d gives us the opportunity to have a Do Over in the coming year. May the Awe of the day inspire us to grow to recognize G-ds love for us and to love Him in return
By: Dovid on September 26, 2008
at 3:15 pm
Would you mind making a translation of the prayer into English available (subtitles), so that those who do not speak Hebrew and are unfamiliar with Judiaca will be able to get a better sense of the film as it is being viewed? I am sure that there are many Gentiles who would benefit by being exposed to the heart of the words of Judiasm.
By: Tom Duregger on September 26, 2008
at 3:32 pm
all i can say is wow! extremely powerful. went straight thru me to my soul. leaves me speechless.
By: deena on September 26, 2008
at 3:59 pm
Rabbi Korobkin, et al-
Yasher Koach yet again. This was powerful and poignant. I was particularly touched when I saw the picture of my dear friend, Naftali, z”l, included in the video. I pray this creative group of talented people has the strength and resources to continue making fine, educational material like this in the coming years. Thanks you again!
By: Eddie Rosenberg on September 26, 2008
at 9:41 pm
What an enormous impact this powerful film is going to make.
Thank you.
By: Roberta Lander on September 27, 2008
at 3:12 pm
thank you for giving me the correct mindset for the new year!
By: anonymous on September 28, 2008
at 1:14 am
Very powerful. Thank you.
By: Silky Pitterman on September 28, 2008
at 2:49 am
What a wonderful, meaningful, important presentation. Thank you so much and l’shana tovah.
By: RPG - Toledo on September 28, 2008
at 3:51 am
Wow, thank you
By: Anonymous on September 28, 2008
at 11:53 am
Although this was a nicely produced short film…. I’m not sure what message it intended to convey. The producer of the film attempted to address this issue in his comments above but I find them unsatisfying.
By: Anonymous on September 28, 2008
at 1:52 pm
A terrific production, bringing the tangible daily news to appropriate meaning in the Days of Awe. The devastation in the third world, with the astounding numbers of people losing their life, still recieves short shrift. May we all yearn to elevate all human life to meaning and growth.
By: Stuart on September 28, 2008
at 4:30 pm
this video was awe inspiring – things that happen that we never think about are all inscribed one yr prior. i showed this to my class (11th graders) we all usually dont like these Rosh Hashona things but this was amazing!!!
By: Aleeza on September 28, 2008
at 4:40 pm
Wow – masterpiece. Scary – what a year it’s been. Let’s hope the coming year we will bring only good things. We need to pray really hard, repent, feel sorry to those who one has wronged, make peace with all. Give more charity, not get angry over little things. Appreciate what we have. If you read the great book “Small Miracles of the Holocaust” by Yitta Mandelbaum & Judith Leventhal, it will help you appreciate everything in life. Hard to complain about anything after reading that book.
K’siva V’chasima to all.
Great thanks to all those involved with this awesome, incredible video. Extremely professional – couldn’t have done a better job.
– Chaya
By: Chaya on September 28, 2008
at 5:05 pm
A beautiful opportunity to pause and reflect on the blessings of God. We seek blessings of health, safety, food, etc., but as I was pondering the topic of blessings a few years ago, I was moved to ask myself what God sees as blessings in our lives.
The answer that came to me almost at once is that He sees as blessings those things that bring us closer to Him. Thus, while we seek the pleasant, safe and secure things of life as blessings, from His perspective it is more often the trials, the problems and the trouble that we face that serve as blessings, as they humble us and drive us to prayer and pondering on our condition before God, and give us opportunities to serve our fellow men. After all, if no one ever suffered any adversity, what opportunities would we ever have to serve?
Of course, adversity does not compel us to seek God, but it can strip away many of the distractions, and in my mind at least, this is an adequate explanation of why an all-powerful, loving God can allow evil and misfortune to afflict us. It is not His purpose to “bless” us with a life of ease, comfort, and wealth, but rather to give us the opportunities to demonstrate whether we will choose good or evil, love or hate, generosity or selfishness, honesty or deceit, even when the right choice is not easy.
And as for death, we are ALL going to die. It is perhaps the most universal facet of all human existence. Thus, if we accept the existence of God, and know and understand that He loves us, then the how and when of our deaths becomes less important than the quality of our lives. And for certain, if this life is all there is, then God cannot be a just god, but that argument does not worry me. I really do trust Him.
By: Gordon Foreman on September 28, 2008
at 7:29 pm
Great job. Thank you so much. I think you can accomplish more by watching this short video than by listening to hours of shiurim.
By: Perry on September 28, 2008
at 9:36 pm
Very moving. I watched it with my 12 and 16 year old children to help them prepare for the holiday and put them in the right mindset in order to help them to pray meaningfully. thank you.
By: Lorri on September 29, 2008
at 12:17 am
Posted link to the video on my Bnei Noach blog.
Gave more tzedakah. I opened my pushka right at the tzedakah line at the end.
Ashrechem!
THANK YOU!!
By: Daniel on September 29, 2008
at 1:24 am
Very awesome video. Can you let me download it and post it on my site please?
I would like to share it with my community.
Thanks again.
Pinchas
By: Pinchas on September 29, 2008
at 2:57 am
Excellent, awe-inspiring video. May this year only bring the best for the whole world.
By: Heshy on September 29, 2008
at 1:01 pm
Power video although you are not doing the endangered wild life species any favor the way you have portrayed them.
Sharks may soon become extinct
http://www.sharkwater.com/synopsis.htm
an important documentary on the exploitation of sharks.
Grizzly bears need our protection
and how few tigers we have left
By: Banjo Bonnie on September 29, 2008
at 3:04 pm
What a great video – very well done, thank you.
By: spmagazine.net on September 29, 2008
at 4:21 pm
Pinchas: Half the point of YouTube videos is that you can embed them on any page you want. Click the symbol on the lower right hand corner and get the HTML code for embedding…
By: Shmuel on September 29, 2008
at 4:45 pm
The netana tokef always sends shivers through me, add those drums, and I’m finished. Thanks. Fantastic. I linked to it.
By: therapydoc on September 29, 2008
at 7:49 pm
The best I have ever seen, net ,t.v. or movies.
By: Steven D. Siegel on October 1, 2008
at 10:04 pm
I found this video to be very touching and extremely Inspirational. Let us all be inscribed in the book of life, with blessings and peace! Best wishes to everyone for a Shannah Tova u`Metukah, a good and sweet year for the entire world.
By: Lori on October 1, 2008
at 11:34 pm
My daughter sent me your video as a Rosh Hashanah greeting. It was awesome and moving. As it says in Nitzavim there are hidden things than only Hashem knows and revealed things that are for us so that we can carry out the words of the Torah. Additionally, it is not in the heavens for you to say who can ascend to the heavens….or who can cross the seas…. We have choices and with the Torah we have the tools to make those choices. In any event, as demonstrated in the Akedah and in the Unetaneh Tokef, Hashem is king, the supreme being, and we are merely humans who were created in Hashem’s` image. Hashem is just and has rachmoness even if at time we cannot understand the whys. The hard part is recognizing Hashem’s supremacy. We can neither know or control everything. To think that we can is the height of arrogance.
By: Jim Karesh on October 2, 2008
at 1:17 am
Thank you! I admit that i have a hard time concentrating during prayer, especially during rosh hashanah, but this year, as we sang unetaneh tokef, i I saw the pictures from your movie as i said each line,and it made my rosh hashanah truly inspiring
By: perel on October 2, 2008
at 12:44 pm
I am so grateful to the person who forwarded the link to me. The video totally captured my imagination and transported me to a spiritual place as I watched the images pass before my eyes. It made concrete every possibility enumerated in the “Unetanah Tokef” prayer, and has made me think long and hard about what I, as a Jew, can and must do to avert the harsh decree: repent, pray and give tzedakah. Thank you for a very moving experience.
L’shanah tova, tik’tevu
By: Caryle on October 2, 2008
at 8:51 pm
Just wonderful. Stirring.
By: Roseann on October 3, 2008
at 8:38 pm
it was great!!
i hope i would have seen it before rosh hashana.
By: ionathan on October 5, 2008
at 12:45 am
A wonderfully moving piece for any time of year. Thank you for the experience that I will share with others.
Shalom
By: Lonnie on October 5, 2008
at 3:28 am
Not only does the film set the tone for the Days of Awe, it brings us to our senses: we are powerless when it comes to the final decree. We can make decisions to help ourselves, but in the end, we sign the book for the coming year. After losing both a beloved brother in a tragic accident on September 8 and my Uncle on September 9, I can tell you that your film “Who Shall Live” brought me to my knees.
By: Sheryd Jackson on October 5, 2008
at 3:23 pm
Where can I find the version of the song you used in the video?
By: Rachel on October 5, 2008
at 6:32 pm
If people (non Jews) would life according to the seven Noachidic- and the Jews to the 10 commandments, the world was like the garden of Eden.
By: Moshe on October 5, 2008
at 7:32 pm
Thank you for remembering the abandoned from Kush Katif, Regev and Goldwasser, and Sderot, and hope this year will bring them and their families comfort and relief. Shana Tova, Gmar H atima Tova!
By: Terri on October 5, 2008
at 8:02 pm
Nice video. However, as this is posted on the world wide web, however much you may want to avoid the theodicic conatations, to the non-jew it will apear exactly as that. You can decide for yourselves whether that’s a good thing or bad thing.
Shanna Tova and G’Mar Chatimah Tova to you all.
By: Stuart in London on October 5, 2008
at 11:18 pm
The video accurately portrays the issues and thoughts which cross my mind during the H.H.D (High Holy Days). I like the video, I love it, find it very moving and well-produced. My main reason for posting is that I wanted the people involved to know that your video made it all the way to Carolina Beach, NC. As far east as you can go here in the Old North State.
By: Shawn Mirman on October 6, 2008
at 9:35 pm
Thank you very much for posting this video.
You have made a big change in many lives – i and many others are very inspired.
Have a healthy and happy year.
By: rivka on October 6, 2008
at 10:49 pm
A Christian friend forwarded this to me…and I saved it until tonight to view. While walking across the local dam on our lake, observing the breathtaking sunset, I passed a Jewess walking and praying, and I knew she was in tune with G-d.
Your video was superb and it would do the whole world good to stop and watch and listen to its message.
Shalom
By: Linda on October 7, 2008
at 12:17 am
Thank you for bringing the world problems to us in the present and reminding us of Biblical times as well. I am deeply touched by this beautiful and meaningful video. Lest we forget…our problems never cease. A question for Ari Levinson..do the names Roland and Esther mean something to you? Have a healthy and happy New Year.
By: Bobbie Levinson Galex on October 8, 2008
at 3:49 pm
I just wanted to know, that if G-d forbid your loved one dies, would you use their pic in the video next year?
By: S.M. on October 8, 2008
at 5:58 pm
A friend of mine said to me that If I’m a believer then I must see this video. I watched it anyway and found it to be very creative
I don’t know what to think about God, mainly because of my CSI everyday experiance… go tell a mother that her baby’s death is God’s will or a husband that his wife’s rape is part of God’s plan… and that all the suffering around us is part of a greater devine agenda. I’m sorry but I’m in conflict here… I was raised Jewish and now, after 4.5 decades, from my point of view, God doesn’t exist or just doesn’t care.
Shana Tova
By: Shaughan in Israel on October 9, 2008
at 2:37 pm
World events should shake every single human being to their core today. People should not mindlessly listen to the news and hear about human tragedies and not FEEL. This video should awaken every passive human to try to take positive action, to make a difference, and to realize that we are all affected by world events. In order for a difference to affect the world-change occurs through every individual soul through one’s thoughts, talk, and action. Teshuva means returning to your essence, opening your soul-truthfully looking at who you are. Prayer is the soul’s act of communication, speaking the desire for change. In order for the process to take root and make the difference there must be a positive act of charity. (Charity can mean be kind to the unfortunate, resolving to help one person, and in the literal sense-to make a contribution). Your video is fantastic!
By: Tzippy on October 9, 2008
at 6:17 pm
Both the video (and the response) are superb! I received it only today, but its power is undiminished. Great work – a totally useful investment of time, talent and money.
A gut yahr!
By: D. Botnick on October 10, 2008
at 1:52 pm
I love the video and responses, but one interpretation is lacking which I would like to express. Although some might criticize the parts of this film as negative–I see it more as a positive one in regard to man’s eyes as he/she stands in shul davening this time of year for forgiveness and is reflecting on “his” relationship with G-d. This is a film that shows our global connection that is not confined solely to the limiting walls of the temple, but like the cry of the shofar it is an awakening to all mankind and offers a visual interpretation on how all men are connected through G-d, therefore all of man’s suffering reflects our suffering too as well as our joys. How each of us, affects each other on levels only G-d can understand. I hope this interpretation will broaden our prayers to reflect not only ourselves but, those on a global level and enhance our connectedness to each other through G-d this New Year for then there will finally be Peace.
By: Sharon April Miller on October 10, 2008
at 9:44 pm
A most incredible and moving video. The song is sung beautifully and full of emotion.
I am sure this video/email has now travlleled the world round and I hope that all the tefillos of Klall Yisroel also travel round the world and that we should be zoicher to have our tefillos answered L’toivoh.
Well done to everyone involved.
G’mar Chasimah Tovah
By: KB on October 12, 2008
at 3:24 pm
Is there any way to get an MP3 of the music?
By: YC on October 16, 2008
at 6:20 pm
THANK YOU !!!!!!
I AM SO MOVED I WANT TO CRY.
” KOL HAKAVOD”
WORDS ARE TOO POOR TO DESCRIBE
THE EFFECT IT HAS ON ME…
GOD BLESS.
EDNA
STATE OF ISRAEL
By: EDNA on October 18, 2008
at 6:19 pm
My first attempt at complimenting the video was worded awkwardly. Please give me another chance? I truly did love the video, and I did email it to all my friends and family. All those who were involved in the making of it are extremely gifted, and it touched me deeply. Thank you!
By: Joyce on December 7, 2008
at 3:28 am
Saw it last year. saw it again this year. So powerful!
By: tuli klein on September 15, 2009
at 12:57 am
i alson saw it last year and again this year. i remembered it and realized that if i wanted tmy rosh hashanah to be uplifted the way it was last yeear as a result of this video, i should watch it again. i know the events are a year old but i remember them just as clearly and the message is just as strong and powerful. a major yasher koach to you and may you recieve all the schar for those of us whose tefillos were said differently because of this. Thank you!
gemar chasima tova!
By: chaya on September 22, 2009
at 4:12 am
if you are the bernard with the greenman group i want u to know
that a gentleman by the name of lance mirrer cooper c ity fla is using sundance on stirling hoa federal employee id number which canot be used by his name
once it has been desolved. that is id theft
pls contact me because i am a jew like u and he is hurting a lot of people.
may G_D richly bless u
By: judith zultak on April 1, 2011
at 8:27 pm
Come to see us contemporary to obtain more information and facts in the matter of Akwaria
By: mawtineWeetty on May 17, 2011
at 5:36 pm
It is important that you make one of these videos once, every year, at this time, to reflect the prior year’s events. This work that you have completed is very important – and should continue.
By: Anonymous on September 12, 2011
at 5:11 am
AMAZING. Thank you for this mazing video which inspired me and many of my friedns. It really gets one into the mood of the Rosh Hashanah,
By: Tzippy on September 27, 2011
at 2:06 am