| On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the Torah reading focuses on our Patriarch Isaac's birth. The reading begins with the words, "And G‑d remembered Sarah." According to the Talmud, G‑d "remembered" Sarah, and chose to bless her with a child, on Rosh Hashanah. The reading also discusses Ishmael's expulsion from Abraham's household due to the negative influence he posed for Isaac, and the treaty between Abraham and Abimelech, king of the Philistines. The Torah reading for the second day of Rosh Hashanah discusses the Binding of Isaac. On the day when we are judged by G‑d, we invoke the merit of our Patriarchs, and their willingness to sacrifice all for G‑d's sake. The reading concludes with the birth of Rebecca, Isaac's destined soulmate. The bulk of this week's Torah reading, Ha'azinu, consists of a poetic song delivered by Moses and Joshua. The song is a prophecy of what will transpire to the Jews – the good and the bad – until the end of times. The portion concludes with G‑d commanding Moses to climb Mount Nebo, from where he would see the Promised Land before his passing. |
