A big news item going into Rosh Hashanah of 5786/2025 is the announcement by several major European states (including France, England, even Canada) to go ahead with a recognition-only announcement.
The interesting thing (for purposes of this post) is that practically this has almost no practical bearing or effect. But even conceptual and legal recognition is still an issue.
The point of this post is not to discuss the pros and cons of such recognition or worry about what it may lead to. The point of this post is only to point out an idea about the concept of recognition itself – beyond that conflict. And it’s especially relevant going into Rosh Hashanah.
A key prayer in the Amidah of Rosh Hashanah is “May every effect know/recognize its cause, may every created being know/recognize Whom created it.” Just the recognition alone is a huge step. Of course, recognition alone doesn’t change anything on the ground. That comes from behavior, from choices we make, from the way we live our lives. But that initial recognition still makes a difference, as it sets the tone, sets us on a direction, creates a focus.
Throughout the Rosh Hashanah prayer service, a big recurring theme is proclaiming G-d as king, recognizing divine authority in our lives. It comes across in poems and in blessings, in responses and in readings. This is a central theme of Rosh Hashanah: Recognize G-d! Internalize, verbalize and declare this recognition! It is a big step.
Not only on Rosh Hashanah, but every single morning, our first utterance upon awakening is supposed to be “Modeh Ani” a gratitude acknowledgement to G-d. This is before any action, before the day gets going, we’re still in pajamas. But that recognition alone sets the tone for the rest of the day. Modeh Ani is a great daily habit. It’s one small sentence that stretches to reframe our whole day ahead.
Aside for recognizing G-d, the same can also be true with our fellow man. There’s what we do for other and with others, and no question, the deed matters most. But often, it starts with a simple recognition, an acknowledgement of the other, an appreciation for whom they are and why we value them. There’s that formal expression used it legislatures “I’d like to recognize the gentleman from…” it’s a form of acknowledgement, of respect, of valuing the other and declaring it.
So while this form of recognition in the news may upset many of us, it certainly is a lesson and message about what recognition can mean and do for us in our own lives.