September 3-4, 2021 Parashat Nitzavim
27 Elul 5781
Teshuva (repentance) is perhaps one of the most important lessons in the Book of Deuteronomy.
While we usually translate teshuva as “repentance,” literally it means “return.” In this week’s Torah portion, we learn that if the Jews repent, they will be able to return from exile to the Land of Israel.
Teshuva seems difficult but it is imperative! Moses even reminds the people: teshuva is both necessary and possible. It is so important that without teshuva, the Jewish people could not exist.
The Hebrew verb shuv (to return) appears more often in this Torah portion than in the entire Torah! It is no coincidence that we read about teshuva on this Shabbat before Rosh HaShanah, our New Year. This is a time of repenting and a time of returning to our best selves.
Rosh HaShanah is coming!! Literally “head of the year,” Rosh HaShanah is our New Year and begins Monday night (the 1st of the Hebrew month of Tishrei). This is a time of prayer, self-reflection and teshuva (repentance).
Join this week’s Shabbat celebrations in the Synagogue (masks, please) or on Channel 1960
Friday at 5:15 PM: Shabbat Blessings in Dining Room
Friday at 6:30 PM: Birthday Shabbat Service; Blessings for Residents with September Birthdays
Saturday at 10:00 AM: Shabbat Shacharit (Morning Service); Blessings in Dining Room at 12:15 PM
Candle lighting time for the city of Mission Viejo: Friday evening at 6:55 PM
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 7:49 PM
Candle lighting time for Rosh HaShanah: Monday evening at 6:51 PM; Tuesday evening after 7:45 PM
Rosh HaShanah ends Wednesday at 7:43 PM
Shabbat Shalom & Shana Tova! Rabbi Sherman