We pray that 'He [G-d] will choose for us our heritage, the גאון יעקב — pride of Yaakov that He loves forever.' 

What exactly is the 'pride' of Yaakov?

The root word of גאון is גאה to literally 'tower over' others, in this context with greatness. 

It is used in the circumstance of G-d as when He split the sea we sang how, גאֺה גאָה — He triumphed over the proud.

Pride is synonymous with כבוד — honor.  

The word גאוה can also have a negative connotation of arrogance. 

G-d created a world where man must exercise his godly talent of free-will. Man must discern between good and bad in making choices that promote G-d's will.

This ability to choose is the sole domain of humankind. Animals respond out of instinct not choice. Only man is equipped to select what is nobly purposeful and deserving of credit for his choices. Successful results from our choices are decided solely by G-d, we have no control, nor may we take personal credit and pride from the outcome of our good choices. 

Yaakov Avinu, the Patriarch whose 'Bed was Complete' — each of his children, without exception, a vital component of K'lal Yisroel — rightfully deserves the attribution of healthy 'pride'. It is due to his having chosen wisely in navigating multiple challenges, from within and from without, in bringing forth this remarkable family which 'towers over' all other nations in their selfless choices they have made in promoting the program of G-d in this world.

Rav Hutner in Pachad Yitzchok observes that the Yomim Tovim generally celebrate what G-d had done for us. Pesach commemorates G-d the גואל ישראל — the Redeemer of Israel. Shavuos, the נותן תורה לעמו ישראל — the Giver of Torah to His nation, Israel. Sukkos, the שומר עמו ישראל — the Protector of His nation, Israel. 

On Rosh Hashana it is G-d Who celebrates His children as the גאון יעקב — Pride of Yaakov, who infuse the world with life perforce their exemplary pursuit of elevating their godly gift of בחירה — free-will choice.

The transfer of Yaakov's mission was given over to his children before he passed as he recited the Shma and its stated goal to realize that the Name of י-ה-ו-ה which reflects G-d's constant and compassionate presence in our lives, is extant even while we seemingly traverse a world of אלוקינו, a world of דין — judgment, where the compassion is obscured and not evident.

The Shevatim responded enthusiastically with the expression of ברוך שם — Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom for all eternity, committing to never lapse in that awareness even while journeying through the trials of life until such time when it will be clear to the entire world that י-ה-ו-ה אחד — G-d is the One and Only force in the world. 

G-d's compassion and presence was equally there in those dark and challenging times just as it will be apparent when the mission of Yaakov will be fulfilled with the final redemption.

The ultimate objective of the Pride of Yaakov — his progeny is to excel in the choices we make in expressing G-d's will in this world. One may never stay complacent in the level of choices we live with; one must continually elevate the level of his service in rising to new challenges, and after conquering them continue the ascent up the ladder of Bechirah.

The greatest aspiration for a בעל בחירה — a free-willed person, is לעשות עצמו מוכרח — to transform to a level where he simply feels compelled to do the will of G-d. 

We will remember on Yom Kippur the story of the Ten Martyrs. 

Rabbi Akiva joyously sanctified G-d's Name while his flesh was being raked with metal combs, expressing the Shma and expiring with his last breath shouting out ד' אחד — G-d is One! 

Rabbi Akiva raises his spiritual self through a lifetime of thoughtful choices in overcoming many challenges until he simply became incapable of making any choice that was contrary to the will of G-d.

Tradition has it that this took place on Yom Kippur, or perhaps on Erev Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur is a day when we are impervious to the Satan. In our enthused and elevated state, we mimic the stature of angels, by refraining from physical needs and distractions, focusing on the Oneness of G-d that reduces the barriers that separate us from each other and bring us closer to G-d's presence in our lives.

We conclude this remarkable excursion into the future realm of the time of redemption when we will feel compelled eternally, with the declaration of Shma, adding aloud Boruch Shem Kevod…, as only angels may.

The Masters of the Secrets of Torah reveal that Rabbi Akiva is sourced in the Neshama of Yaakov Avinu.

The letters in the name of יעקב and עקיבא are identical except for the extra א in Akiva alluding to אבינו.

As we approach Yom Kippur, we must ask ourselves whether we are fulfilling our roles as בעלי בחירה. 

We can never plateau in that task. We must find paths towards becoming compelled. 

May we aspire on this day when we have an extra advantage of the Satan on break, to break through our personal barriers in choosing mightily and finally merit to hear the clear sound of אחד resound for eternity!

גמר חתימה טובה

באהבה,

צבי יהודה טייכמאן