“Return, O Israel, for you have stumbled in your sin” (Hosea 14:2).

Let’s face it, none of us really want to hear a fire-and-brimstone reproof of all of the things we’ve done wrong and how we must mend our ways. This is basic human psychology and is obviously the great challenge facing all rabbis in the preparation of their Shabbat Shuva sermons.

Shabbat Shuva, which is so called because of the first word “Shuva,” return, in the week’s haftarah reading (Hosea 14:2-10), is the Shabbat between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Traditionally, it is this Shabbat sermon that is regarded as one of the premier opportunities for rabbis to inspire their congregants to work harder on becoming better human beings and better Jews.

The goal, as with all things in the 10-day period from Rosh Hashana through Yom Kippur, is teshuva, repentance. (It is interesting to note that in many communities in pre-war Europe, the Shabbat Shuva sermon was one of only two sermons that rabbis delivered during the year – the other being on the Shabbat haGadol, the Shabbat just before Passover.)

But what is the source of inspiration, and what motivates change? There are those who want to be humored into self-improvement, while others wish to hear inspiring stories of triumph over challenge.

Perhaps the prophet Hosea said it best: “Whosoever is wise, let him understand these things, whosoever is prudent, let him know them. For the ways of God are right, and the just walk in them; but transgressors do stumble therein” (Hosea 14:10).

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