Torah:Vayeilech (Deuteronomy 31:1-30)
Haftarah:(Hosea 14:2-10, Micah 7:18-20, Joel 2:15-27)
Shabbat Shuvah is the Sabbath of Returning or Focusing on our way to become even better individuals.
Please look at the Schedule for the holidays sent by Ellen Nathan for days and times.
The Torah parsha from Deuteronomy continues with Moses committing the law to the priest and the Levites. Moses chooses his successor. The passing on the mantle of leadership in this Torah portion Moses has reached the age of 120 and is about to die. He calls Joshua and “in the sight of Israel” transfers the power of leadership to him. Moses tells him, ‘Be strong and resolute, for it is you who shall go with the people into the land…Fear not, and do not be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:1-8). Many commentators wonder why Moses did not choose one of his sons, either Gershon or Eliezer, as successor. They suggest that his two sons, unlike Joshua, were not students of Torah. Joshua was probably chosen because of his demonstrated commitment to Moses and his loyalty to the Israelites.
Why are there three selections making up the Haftarah? The three prophets and their writings are from Hosea, Micah, and Joel. The writings were assigned to be read on the Sabbath that falls between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, called the Sabbath of Repentance (Shabbat Shuvah) because repenting is its theme.
Hosea pleads with the people of the Northern Kingdom to change their ways and return to G-d. Micah was the prophet that pleaded for the poor, assuring the people that G-d would forgive those who turned from their mistakes.
The prophet Joel speaks to his people of the impending dooms that threatened them. The people must repent with great conviction. Then the shofar may be blown and they will be brought back together again, becoming once more a sanctified nation.
Wishing everyone “G’Mar Hatimah Tovah” May You Be Sealed for A Good Ending!
Please remember if you are ill, pregnant or unable to Fast, do not. G-d wants you to be healthy and to strive to become a mensch/ a good person. It is one’s intent to strive to change from bad behaviours and repent and mean it that the Lord will be judging.
The week that follows starts Sukkot. I will celebrate “Pizza in the Hut” (pun on Star Wars) in my home Sukkah. The time will be 4:30pm. An evening of shaking the lulav and etrog, and dwelling inside the sukkah. Please email if you plan to attend.
These are mitzvot to dwell and shake your Lulav and Etrog!
Jews recite the blessings over the Sabbath candles with Shabbat first because we celebrate the Sabbath each week and follow with Yom Tov (good holiday)
For Your Information on Yom Kippur:
Your Yahrzeit candles will be kindled first on Tuesday night Erev of Yom Kippur followed by the Candles “L’hadlich Ner Yom Tov”, Kiddush the one line borei pri Hagefen, and the HaMotzi over the round challah.
Kol Nidrei is recited in the evening followed by services on Wednesday, October 5th in the late afternoon and evening when Yizchor will be recited and Break the Fast.
Please remember if you need to take medicine NO FASTING!
If you are ill or pregnant, NO FASTING!
G-d loves you and cares for your well being. Stay healthy and happy.
A KOL KAVOD TO ELLEN NATHAN, ELLEN MARGLES, MARILYN KANAS AND ALL THE INDIVIDUALS THAT MADE A JOYOUS ROSH HASHANAH AND LUNCHEON!
Shabbat Shalom V’Yom Tov,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
