Public Torah Reading

The haftarah for the week of Devarim is always read on the Shabbat prior to Tisha B’Av (or on Tisha B’Av itself, if it falls out on Shabbat). It is considered a haftarah of great distinction: the Code of Jewish law states that it is proper that the rabbi ...

The question is: Who or what is Zion? And who are the captives?

This Shabbat is called Shabbat Chazon (Shabbat of Vision), named for the haftorah, the vision of Isaiah. The Torah reading starts with a rebuke of the Jewish people, Moses lectures them on many of their failings. It ends, however, on a positive note. Mose...

We always read the portion of Devarim on the Shabbat before 9 Av. For the haftorah, we read Chazon Yeshayahu (Vision of Isaiah), which gives this Shabbat its name: Shabbat Chazon. When Shabbat Chazon coincides with 9 Av, the fast is pushed to Sunday. When...