In a recent study group, someone asked me about my favorite part of the Rosh HaShanah service and I was quick to answer the Torah Reading for the Second Day because it is perhaps the most intriguing story in our entire Torah.

Growing up in in Southern New Jersey, my family was active in our small synagogue. I have many vivid memories of powerful experiences in that congregation on Shabbat and holidays and it was during those moments that I first began to think about being a Rabbi.

A young man was about to graduate from college. In his affluent neighborhood, it was a custom for graduates to receive a new car as a gift from their parents.

Beginning tonight we are going to all be part of an incredible phenomenon. We are about to recreate an experience that the Jewish people have followed in some form for over four thousand years.