8 Tishrei/Sep. 22 and 23
Friday Night
Candle-lighting is at 6:59 pm
In general, Shabbat was given to Israel as a time for Torah study and prayer, and one should always take care not to pass the time idly or in inappropriate conversation. This is especially true on Shabbat Shuvah during which one should be careful to concentrate entirely on Torah, prayer, and reflection on repentance, thereby attaining forgiveness for whatever unfitting behavior may have marred other Sabbaths.
The Teshuvah done on this Shabbat is more elevated than the teshuvah done on all the other Shabbatot of the year. Thus, it elevates all of them.
Shabbat Teshuva Derasha
It is customary amongst Jewish communities around the world that the Rav of the community says a Shabbat Teshuvah Derasha (speech) on the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Although this speech may contain other components, the main objective is that it should inspire the community to reflect upon their deeds, better their ways, and do teshuvah. The speaker should not speak negative or disparaging words about the Jewish people. On the contrary, one should take every opportunity to speak positively about them.
One should do Teshuvah b'simcha (with joy) as doing Teshuvah is a Mitzvah and all Mitzvot have to be done with joy.
May we be blessed among all the Jewish people with a good, sweet year, a year of peace and security, a year of health and success, a year of happiness and holiness, a year of shidduchim for those who need one, a year of refuah sheleimah for those who need it. and, most importantly, a year of Moshiach!
