Vol. 11 Beitza, Rosh Hashana

Tractate Yom Tov, better known as Beitza after its first word, deals with the general halakhot of Festivals. Whereas other tractates in Seder Mo’ed address the laws of Shabbat and the mitzvot that are specific to each of the major Festivals, this tractate deals with the laws common to all Festivals. These halakhot include the commandment to rest from work, in the form of positive and negative mitzvot that apply to all Festivals. They are derived from the verses “It shall be a solemn rest unto you, a memorial proclaimed with the blast of shofarot, a sacred convocation” (Leviticus 23:24) and “You shall do no manner of servile work” (Leviticus 23:7, 8).Tractate Rosh HaShana has four chapters. Each has a central theme. Chapter One discusses the various New Years and the practical application of each. It also begins the topic of the testimony of witnesses to the court. Chapter Two discusses the manner of examining the witnesses and their testimony. Chapter Three is primarily concerned with the sounding of the shofar. Chapter Four discusses Rosh HaShana that occurs on Shabbat and the prayer service on Rosh HaShana.