The Liturgy of the Rosh Hashonna Musaf is divided into three sections; they are called Malchuyot (kings), Zichronot (rememberances), and Shofarot (shofars). Each Section has ten verses selected from the Tanach (Torah, Prophets and Writings) that illustrates its theme. At the conclusion of each section we sound the shofar.

The first section of Malchuyot refers to G-d in his relationship to us as the King, both in our past history as well as in our hopes for the Messianic future. The section begins with the Alenu. The Malchuyot concludes with a prayer, which also echoes the ideas of the Alenu. Alenu was composed by Joshua at the city of Jericho; we recite it at the conclusion of every daily service. It is a major component in Malchuyot section of the service. In it we pray that G-d be recognized by the world at large and that "His splendid majesty shine forth over all the inhabitants of His earth".

The theme of Zichronot is memory. The selected verses focus on G-d remembering us mercifully as well as in judgement. The past covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is mentioned; and our attention is directed to the future Messianic promises. This is combined with the prayer that we merit to be remembered with their fulfillment.

The third section of Shofarot highlights the Biblical situations where the shofar played a major role. The verses selected range from the Revelation at Mt. Sinai to the time when the "great Shofar" will sound to usher in the Messianic Age; the time when G-d will reveal Himself to all of mankind.

It seems that the ambience of all of the themes is to the past, as well as to the future; are a very germane way to view the beginning of a new year. It is as if we are being encouraged to do now what we can, in order to reach the goals of the future, based upon our knowledge of past experiences.

How do we strive to achieve the goals of the future? The shofar, sounded at the end of each of these sections, provides guidance. The primary aspiration of the shofar is its call to Teshuva. Teshuva is usually translated as repentance, but that does not adequately explain what it means.

Teshuva is better understood as both response and return. The shofar calls us to respond to the challenges of life by returning to the standards of living that G-d has given us in His Torah. We are being called to live life according to the rich heritage that has had the devotion of our ancestors for more that three and a half millennia. "Respond" and "Return" to it and the Messianic age of peace for mankind will be that much more of a reality in the world.

Best wishes and prayers that you and your families be inscribed for a healthy and good New Year; L'Shana Tova! !הקותמו הבוט הנש

Rabbi Joseph and Sara Weiss