Shabbat Shuva
The Haftorah traditionally chanted on Shabbat Shuva begins with the words “Shuva Yisrael”, “Return to Israel” is all about repentance. The Gerer Rebbe known as the Sfat Emet writes that one should strengthen their observance of mitzvot and performance of good deeds specifically on this Shabbat. He quotes the Talmud, (Shabbat 118b) “Rav Yehuda says in Ravs name: Had Israel kept the first shabbat, no nation would have ever defeated them, for it is said, (Shemot 16:27) “And it came to pass on the seventh day that there went out some of the people to gather” which is followed by (Shemot 17:8) “Then came Amalek.”
Before the Jews spent their first Shabbat in the desert after leaving Egypt, Moshe informed them that Manna would not fall on Shabbat. Instead double portions would fall on Friday, and the extra portion would be for use on Shabbat. However, two people didn’t listen or obey this command that Moshe gave to the people. Early on Shabbat morning, they scattered the extra portion which they had gathered on Friday. They hoped that when the people arose on Shabbat morning and saw the scattered manna, that they would feel that Moshe’s instructions were wrong. Birds ruined the plot by eating the manna before the people saw it. However, on this first Shabbat, the people had already desecrated Shabbat. Because the nation of Israel in its entirety we’re to blame for violating Shabbat, the Talmud says they were soon subject to attack by Amalek as well as many other nations since that time.
The Sfat Emet says that we have an opportunity to correct this situation. If we observe the first Shabbat of the year properly, we can assure that the nation of Israel will not suffer war at the hand of another nation this year. All it requires is one Shabbat and that Shabbat is Shabbat Shuva. In reality of course, we will be happy to see you on any Shabbat that you will make your first Shabbat of the year and hopefully many Shabbatot to follow. Lets all, please God, and let’s all “please God” by making Beth David alive on Shabbat with your attendance, your prayers and your mitzvot.
Shabbat Shalom,
Marshall Loomer
Cantor, Beth David
