Rosh Hashanah prayers and Torah readings

The machzor is the special prayer book used on Rosh Hashanah to guide worshipers through Rosh Hashanah's special prayer service. The main themes of the prayer service are the repentance of man and the judgment of God, our King.

Readings of the Rosh Hashanah Torah: first day
On the first day we read Beresheet (Genesis) XXI. This portion of the Torah tells of Isaac's birth to Abraham and Sarah. According to the Talmud, Sarah gave birth to Rosh Hashanah. The haftara for Rosh Hashanah's first day is I Samuel 1: 1-2: 10. This haftara tells the story of Anna, her prayer for offspring, the subsequent birth of her son Samuel and her thanksgiving prayer. According to tradition, Hannah's son was conceived in Rosh Hashanah.

Readings of the Rosh Hashanah Torah: second day
On the second day we read Beresheet (Genesis) XXII. This part of the Torah tells of Aqedah where Abraham almost sacrificed his son Isaac. The sound of the shofar is connected with the sacrificed ram instead of Isaac. The haftara for Rosh Hashanah's second day is Jeremiah 31: 1-19. This part mentions God's remembrance of his people. On Rosh Hashanah we have to mention the memories of God, so this part fits the day.

Rosh Hashanah Maftir
On both days, the Maftir is Bamidbar (numbers) 29: 1-6.

“And in the seventh month, the first of the month (aleph Tishrei or Rosh Hashanah), there will be a convocation to you at the Shrine; you don't have to do any service work. "
The part continues by describing the offerings that our ancestors were obliged to make as an expression of respect for God.

Before, during and after the prayer services, we tell the others "Shana Tova V'Chatima Tova" which means "happy new year and good sealing in the Book of Life".