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The Land of Israel is the home of the Jewish people, but also the place
from where the message of God will go out to all the nations of the world. Psalm
96 is a charge to each individual to sing praises of God. Just as the heavens
and earth, forests and fields sing a song of praise to God, so too, all peoples
should declare God as king and acknowledge His just dominion. The psalm
concludes with God’s justice, since only through His absolute judgment will the
nations of the world recognize His ways. This message rings especially true
during this time of year, right before Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, which
is known as one of the "Days of Awe". On this day, the "gates of repentence"
open and all are judged by God on the deeds of the past year. Only three things
can "temper judgment's harsh decree": repentence, prayer, and charity. Israel's
oldest charity organization, Colel Chabad, provides needy Jews with food,
clothing and aid for the upcoming holidays, making sure that no one enters the
"gates of repentence" in want.
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