B"H
Thursday, Tishrei 4, 5780 / October 3, 2019
This Shabbat is the Shabbat between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). Yom Kippur begins Tuesday evening (October 8) through Wednesday (October 9). This Shabbat is called, Shabbat Shuva or Shabbat Teshuva.
The reason some call it Shabbat Shuva is because the special Haftorah for this Shabbat begins with the word, “Shuva”. Some call it Shabbat Teshuva because the ten days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are called, “Aseret Yemei Teshuva” - the Ten Days of Teshuva-Repentence.
The Torah reading this Shabbat is Parshat Vayeilach. It is the shortest Parsha in the entire Torah, consisting of only 30 verses.
Q. In some years Parshat Vayeilach is combined with the previous Parsha, Nitzavim, and read before Rosh Hashana. Yet, in other years, as this year, they are read separately, Parshat Nitzavim before Rosh Hashana and Parshat Vayeilach between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Why?
A. It depends on which day Rosh Hashana starts. When the first day Rosh Hashana falls on Shabbat or Thursday then Nitzavim and Vayeilech are combined. However, if the first day Rosh Hashana falls on Monday (as this year) or Tuesday, then the two Parshiot, Nitzavim & Vayeilach, are read separately. (Rosh Hashana cannot fall on Sunday, Wednesday or Friday).
Reason: After Parshat Nitzavim, there are only two Parshiot left in the Torah that can be read on Shabbat. When Rosh Hashana falls on Monday or Tuesday then there will be one Shabbat between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur and one between Yom Kippur and Sukkot in which we read the regular Torah reading. As a result, the two Parshiot are separated. But, when Rosh Hashana is on Shabbat or Thursday then we will need only one Parsha to be read on Shabbat, thus Nitzavim and Vayeilach are combined.
Q. During the Yom Kippur services, we recite the "Vidui - confession." For each sin mentioned, we tap/strike our chest, near the heart. What is the reason for this?
A. Our sages explain that sin begins in the heart. The Torah tells us, "Remember all the Mitzvot of G-d and perform them; and do not turn after your heart and after your eyes after which you stray..." (Numbers 15:39). Thus, we "strike" the heart which led us to sin.
Q. The "Vidui - confession" is said in the plural, "We have sinned...We have transgressed..." etc. Why do we say it in the plural & not, "I have sinned, I have transgressed..." in the singular?
A. Our sages explain that as Jews, we are not only responsible for our own deeds, but also for our fellow Jew. If another Jew sinned, we are all partly responsible. We confess and ask forgiveness not only for our sins, but also for others who sinned.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY & GMAR CHATIMA TOVA