This is the second day of Rosh Hashana. Originally it was a one-day celebration, but after the destruction of the Temple it was no longer possible to determine precisely when the new moon would appear over Jerusalem. As a result, two days were proclaimed just to be sure that the beginning of time was marked with rough accuracy.

The shofar will sound today, since it is not Sabbath. My personal approach to Tashlikh should have waited for this second non-Sabbath day. But I will be traveling and working today.

This Sunday is also the first day of Eid al-Fitar, an Islamic festival marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast. The descendants of Isaac and Ishmael share a common time - if not cause - of celebration.

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We continue with the Abidah:

Who is like You, merciful Father, who in compassion remembers His creatures for life.

You are trustworthy to revive the dead. Blessed are You Lord, who revives the dead.

You are holy and Your Name is holy, and holy beings praise You daily for all eternity. Blessed are You Lord, the holy King. You graciously bestow knowledge upon man and teach mortals understanding.

Graciously bestow upon us from You, wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Blessed are You Lord, who graciously bestows knowledge. Cause us to return, our Father, to Your Torah; draw us near, our King, to Your service; and bring us back to You in whole-hearted repentance. Blessed are You Lord, who desires penitence.

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According to Genesis we have been exiled for partaking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Yet we give thanks for knowledge.