We are responsible for our behavior. If we behave better, then those around us will too. This is how we improve society. Not from the top down but from the bottom up.

Hamas is the modern version of Amalek. They are even worse than the Nazis. The Nazis hid their intentions. Hamas gloried in theirs and broadcast what they did. It was illegal for a German to rape a Jewish woman. Hamas gloried in it.

Jonah tries to run away from his mission to save Ninevah. The reason is that he knows in about 100 years Ninevah will destroy the 10 Northern Tribes. God reminds him that He is in charge. That the 10 Tribes will receive punishment for their actions.

We lost our Temple and independence because we did not treat each other with due respect. We did the offerings in the Temple correctly but that is not what God really wants. He wants us to show the world how to behave ethically.

We received the ability to reason, to know right from wrong. Therefore, we have to remember that we will be judged for our actions by God. All should be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year,

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded of the need to ask forgiveness from our loved ones. We have to remember that God will not forgive us if we don’t first make it right with our fellow man.

Ha’azinu reminds us that no matter what our place is in society that God is in charge. That we forget this at our own peril. Remember the Roman Empire was the ruler of the West, until it wasn’t. We are still here.

Rosh Hashana is not the Jewish new year but the new year of the world. It is the anniversary of the creation of humans. The purpose of the world is for us to make it better by our ethical behavior.

When Moses is getting ready to leave the Jewish people, he appoints Joshua to be the new leader, not his sons. The lesson here is that our leaders do not inherit their positions but have to earn it.

One of the commandments is that once every 7 years the king is required to read the Book of Deuteronomy to the people. This is remind the king that he is also under the Torah. Everyone must hear it, even the small children to teach all the importance of the Torah.