Day 33 – Afflicting the Soul: The Meaning of the Fast
Yom Kippur is the day on which we are commanded to “afflict your souls” (Leviticus 16:29, 31; 23:27–32; Numbers 29:7). The traditional five afflictions are…
Day 32 – Jonah: Personal and National Repentance
The Book of Jonah is read in its entirety during the afternoon service of Yom Kippur. A prophet is sent to the great pagan city…
Day 31 – Shabbat Shuvah: Return, O Israel
The Sabbath that falls between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is called Shabbat Shuvah, the Sabbath of Return, from the opening words of the haftarah:…
Day 30 – The Ten Days of Awe Begin: Judgment and Mercy
With the setting of the sun on Rosh Hashanah the Ten Days of Awe (Aseret Yemei Teshuvah) open. These days are uniquely favorable for repentance….
Day 28 – Zichronot: God Remembers His Covenant Day 29 – Shofarot: The Great Trumpet of Redemption
Day 28 – Zichronot: God Remembers His Covenant Day The second theme of the Rosh Hashanah Musaf is Zichronot—Remembrances. God remembers Noah and the animals…
Day 27 – Malchuyot: Proclaiming the Kingship of God
One of the three central themes of the Rosh Hashanah Musaf service is Malchuyot—Kingship. Verses declaring God’s sovereignty over all the earth are recited, and…
Day 26 – The Akedah and the Merit of the Fathers
Central to the Rosh Hashanah liturgy is the Akedah—the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22). Abraham’s willingness to offer his beloved son and the ram that…