An article in the September 15, 2006, edition of "Forward" tells of the sweet challah bread that is on every Rosh Hashanah table throughout the Jewish world. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and it is equivalent to the Feast of the Trumpets in the Bible.

In this chapter, God gives Zechariah two visions of warning. First, he sees a flying roll, which is identified as the curse. This pictures the law of God and the curse on those who disobey it. Second, he sees a woman sitting in a basket called an ephah (after the size of the basket). This vision is called wickedness and portrays false religion.

God has filled this short chapter with vivid pictures of redemption and wonderful verses of encouragement. Perhaps the theme of this chapter is that the Lord

David established a standing army as well as officers over different areas of the economy. God gave David a genius for organization that is clearly seen in this chapter.

In a long list that began at verse fifteen, the Lord continues to describe the curse that will fall on Israel if they fail to do the commands that He has given them in the law. This chapter has 14 verses of blessing and 54 verses of curses. Though we are not under the law today, we can learn much from this lesson about how much God hates disobedience to His word.

God compares Israel to a barren or a forsaken woman in this chapter. For a small moment, He has hid His face from her. But He will bless her with everlasting kindness and show mercy unto her because of His covenant with her. This chapter is full of encouragement and kindness.