The portion of Haazinu is often read on Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In it you have a song which is a teaching, a rebuke, a warning, a promise and a prophecy wrapped into one.

We lived with this song all week, including Rosh Hashanah, the day humans were created.

It all fits nicely together. Rebuke all week followed by a promise of redemption on Rosh Hashanah.

The same heaven and earth created at this time of year is called to be witness for all eternity in the Torah portion.

What is the connection between Rosh Hashanah and Haazinu?

On Rosh Hashanah, we ask for our needs. It may seem shallow that on such a holy day, we are preoccupied with our mundane needs. Why is this day set aside for asking?

In Haazinu, the purpose of creation is clearly defined: Our mission to do G‑d’s will, by which, through our efforts, we develop this world into a dwelling place for G‑d. This will be realized at the time of the redemption.

On Rosh Hashanah, the day Adam was created, the mission of man began. Every year, we go to shul pledging to continue and finish the mission. That’s why we ask for our needs on Rosh Hashanah. We are asking for what we need to accomplish our mission. So don’t be shy; ask well.

May we see our mission fulfilled and witness the final redemption this year—the sooner the better!

Have a happy and sweet new year!