This Shabbat, Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, takes its name from the Haftarah that is chanted each year.  The Torah portion that is read is Ha'azinu--a one chapter song recited by Moses as he approaches his death; in it, he reviews the history of the relationship between God and the Children of Israel.  In the end of the Torah portion, Moses is instructed to go to the top of Mt. Nebo where he will breathe his last breath.

  Shabbat Shuva is unlike any other Shabbat because it comes at the most intense time of the Jewish year.  Most Shabbatot are a time for relaxing with friends and family, feasting and studying; the mood is comfortable and upbeat.  Shabbat Shuva is a little more serious; the time that we have can and should be used for reflection.  On Rosh Hashanah we think about the past year and the new one that is beginning; we and our lives stand in judgment.  This Shabbat gives us the opportunity to ponder how we will make the new year different and better; it is easy to simply say it in our prayers, but actually doing it is quite another matter.  The minute we blow out the Havdalah candle is when the hard work begins.  Will you make Shabbat Shuva everything it needs to be?  If yes, it is a good way to make 5771 everything it needs to be.