A Special Time for Teshuvah

7 Tishrei 5787
Erev Shabbat Kodesh
Parashat Ha'azinu - Shabbat Shuvah

The Shabbos between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is called Shabbos Shuvah, because its special haftarah reading begins with the words Shuvah Yisrael ("Return O Israel"), from the prophecy of Hoshe'a.  It is referred to as Shabbos Shuvah because it falls during the Ten Days of Teshuvah - Repentance.

...It is customary in almost all Jewish communities for the rabbi of the city or the congregation to expound on teshuvah, and to emphasize the severity of transgression so that the people turn their hearts toward repentance.  Our Sages have said that when the wise address the people, God forgives the sins of Israel.

The Shabbos was given to Israel as a time for Torah study and prayer, and, although one should always take care not to pass the time idly or in inappropriate conversation, on Shabbos Shuvah one should be especially careful to concentrate entirely on Torah, prayer, and reflection on teshuvah, thereby attaining forgiveness for whatever unfitting behavior may have marred other Sabbaths.    (Book of Our Heritage)

~ Shabbat Shalom ~