Surprising: Why Did the Rebbe Wish Happy New Year on January 1?

The Rabbi of Apta had a surprising custom: each year, on January 1st—the start of the non-Jewish calendar—he would bless the Jewish people with a good year.

Why did he do this? He based it on a deep understanding of a verse in Tehillim (Psalms): “Hashem records in writing the nations.” He explained that the time when other nations celebrate their new year is not just a moment on the calendar—it’s actually a spiritually powerful time. It's a time when there is judgment in the world, and that can also become a special opportunity to bring blessing and salvation to the Jewish people.

The Rabbi of Apta taught that since the success and spiritual strength of other nations are connected to the Jewish people, the day they begin their new year becomes a meaningful moment in Heaven. It can be a time when positive outcomes are opened up for the Jewish nation.

He also said something even more remarkable. When Hashem looks at how non-Jews celebrate their new year—with loud celebrations and partying—and then sees how Jews welcome Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, with prayer, self-reflection, and a sincere desire to grow—it creates a powerful contrast. Because of this, even things that hadn’t gone well before can turn around for the better.

This idea is brought in the sefer (Torah book) Ohalei Yaakov, written by the Rabbi of Husiatyn. He quotes the Rabbi of Apta as saying that he would bless the Jewish people with a good year at the beginning of the non-Jewish calendar year. He explained that it’s a time of judgment for the nations, and since their spiritual strength is tied to the Jewish people, it becomes a moment when blessings can flow toward the Jewish nation.

The Rabbi of Apta added that even if certain things weren’t successfully decided or fulfilled on Rosh Hashanah, they can still happen now. When Hashem sees the way Jews behave on their holy days compared to the way the nations celebrate, even past outcomes can be changed. What once seemed difficult or out of reach can become good.

It’s a beautiful and uplifting message—that even a date like January 1, which may not seem meaningful in a Jewish sense, can actually be turned into a moment full of potential, blessing, and spiritual connection.