"Today"

Just before he passed away, Moses gathered the entire Jewish people and told them that despite their differences, sticking together "today" is what would keep our nation alive for all time.

Picture credits: Chabad.org

The commentators point out that "today" can also relate to Rosh Hashanah, the one day a year when all Jews come before G-d as a single body. Regardless of where each of us is in our spiritual development, at this time of year, we put our differences aside and pray together.

This is why this Torah portion is always read on the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah, and it is also why we increase our communal and personal prayer and activities as we get ready for the new year.

This is especially relevant this upcoming year, which is a year of “Hakhel,” a year devoting to promoting Jewish unity and community gatherings.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and sweet new year. And most importantly, may it be a year of “Hakhel” — of gathering all Jews together in Jerusalem, to once again hear the Torah read by the king, our righteous Moshiach!

Shabbat candle lighting: 6:33 PM Holiday candle lighting: Sunday night at 6:30 PM. Monday night after 7:27 PM, from a pre-existing flame.

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova!

P.S. If you’d like to add in some Tzedaka before Rosh Hashana, please consider making a donation to help fund our Mitzvah Tank activities: mitzvahtank.nyc/donate.