Shabbat Shuvah

The special character of this Shabbat, as opposed to all others, is that it is focused on assembling congregations of the Jewish People not only to commemorate HaShem's Act of Creating the Universe and of His taking the Jewish People out of Egypt, but also to direct their attention to the need to Return to Him. Thus the custom of the Shabbat Shuvah Drashah, an inspirational sermon delivered by the religious leader of the community, usually combining "Halachah" and "Aggadah," but the basic purpose of which is to provide "Hitorerut," inspiration, that will cause the listeners to examine their deeds and return to HaShem.

In the Halachic Literature, we find the following remarks by the "Mateh Moshe," "It is customary (that the Rav) deliver a talk on this Shabbat … in order to awaken the People to Repentance; and I have found support for this custom in 'Midrash Mishlei,' where it is written, 'The Holy One, Blessed Be He, said: When the "Chacham," or "Sage," sits and teaches ("doresh"), I cancel and forgive the trespasses of Israel." Hence it is proper to deliver a talk on this Shabbat, in order that He pardon their sins; and you may find another support for this in the Zohar on Parshat Vayikra."

"The 'Mateh Ephraim' writes, 'It is the custom throughout Israel, in all the places of their dispersion, that the Rav of the City deliver a talk on that Shabbat before the assembled multitude, and many books mention the fact that this 'Drashah' should aim at awakening the heart to Teshuvah, with words of admonition and moral teaching … in any case, the great and righteous men of each generation have always spoken to the People (on Shabbat Shuvah) with eloquence and profundity and Halachic discourse.' "

As mentioned, the "Shabbat Shuvah Drashah" is an ancient tradition. Moshe Rabbeinu probably delivered one on the Plains of Moav, and most of the righteous leaders of Israel who followed him, probably did the same. (Return)