Anticipation of judgment

 

The Holy Ari of Safed disclosed that if one doesn’t shed at least a few tears during the High Holy Days, it is evidence that his soul is flawed. He added that when one finds oneself suddenly aroused to tears on the High Holy Days, it is a sign that at that moment, one’s soul is being judged in the Heavenly Court above. In anticipation and trepidation of the judgment, one is overwhelmed by tears. [Shulchan Aruch of the Arizal, Hilchos Rosh HaShanah]