The Haftorah of the Shabbos between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur begins with the words, “Shuva Yisrael, Return, O Israel, to your Hashem, your G-d...” The first word gives this week its moniker of “Shabbos Shuva.”
For many people, the Days of Awe seem challenging and burdensome. There are long prayers, fasting, and the threat of punishment for not repenting. We’d like to suggest an alternate approach.
The truth is that these days are a gift from Hashem, affording us the opportunity to come closer to Him and rise in our stature. We are meant to be Children of G-d, not beasts of the field. However, sometimes we don’t know what to do. That’s where this Haftara comes in.
In most places, when you hear a siren from police, fire, or ambulance vehicles, the law requires you to pull to the side and stop, allowing them to pass you. Imagine you are in a middle lane wishing to turn left, and a police car is coming straight at you. If you move to the right, you’re going away from your path, but to the left is more oncoming traffic. You freeze.
Suddenly, the policeman gets on his loudspeaker and says, “Move to the right!” His authoritative voice makes the decision for you and you instinctively follow it. He’s able to proceed and you can turn afterwards.
That is what the prophets call of, “Return!” does for you. It helps break the paralysis of uncertainty and get you to where you need to be. This call is one of clarity and guidance, and we should take it as that.
Thought of the week:
Yesterday is gone; tomorrow may never come. Ride today as long as you can.
