The word Ha’azinu literally means “give ear,” an expression meaning “listen to this.” It is also the name of the fifty-third and second-to-last reading from the Torah. Ha’azinu is the first word of the Song of Moses, which begins with the words “Give ear , O heavens, and let me speak” (Deuteronomy 32:1). This Torah portion is only a […]

Portion Summary Five days after the Day of Atonement, the Festival of Booths begins. The festival starts with a yom tov Sabbath on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and continues for seven days. The Hebrew name of the festival is Sukkot, a word often translated into English as “tabernacles” or “booths.” The name […]

The fifty-fourth and last reading from the Torah begins with the words Vezot ha’Bracha, which means “and this is the blessing.” These are the first words of Deuteronomy 33:1. This Torah portion is ordinarily read on the day of Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing of the Torah”) in conjunction with the beginning of the book of Genesis […]