THEME
What essential tenet of Judaism do we express in this blessing? What words of the Berachah introduce and express this theme?
ALEINU L'SHABE'ACH
To whom is the authorship of "Aleinu" and "Al Kein Nekaveh" attributed, and how did they sign their names? Why do we recite it daily?
What is the distinction between "v'Yadata" - you shall know (Hashem's Divinity and Unity), and "va'Hashevosa El Levavecha" - and you shall place it upon your heart?
PESUKIM FROM TORAH
What aspects of Hashem's Kingship do we learn from the context of this Pasuk - the conclusion of Shiras ha'Yam (The Song at the Sea)? Why did Bnei Yisrael say "Hashem Yimloch" - seemingly limiting to the future tense?
What does the word "Teru'ah" mean in this context?
How did the wicked Bil'am come to use the word "Melech" in this Pasuk?
By citing this Pasuk in Malchuyos, it is clear that by "Melech" in this Pasuk we refer to Hashem. But do all commentators interpret the Pasuk this way?
Why is Am Yisrael called "Yeshurun," and in what context?
PESUKIM FROM TEHILIM
What is the distinction between "Melech" (king) and "Moshel" (ruler)?
What effect will this realization have upon the nations?
What is the message of this Pasuk, in its context in Sefer Tehilim?
What is the distinction between "Gei'us" (grandeur) and "Oz" (might) -- two ways in which Hashem conducts the world? Why is it so wondrous that "the world does not falter"?
1. Mafteach to Tehilim 93:1:4:1, and note
The Gemara (32b) discusses whether this sequence of Pesukim counts as three mentions of Malchuyos, or as five - and yet the Machzor lists it as the third Pasuk from Tehilim, seemingly counting it as only one!
What events in history do these Pesukim allude to?
Why are the gates of the Beis Hamikdash called "Pischei Olam"?
Why do we refer to Hashem as "Melech Ha'Kavod" in this context?
Who would ask such a question, "Who is the Melech"?!
Who are the legions over whom Hashem reigns? Why does this verse omit praise of Hashem's might in war (mentioned in Pasuk 8 above)?
PESUKIM FROM NEVI'IM
How will the Redemption of Yisrael reveal Hashem's Sovereignty? What else does the Pasuk teach about Hashem's Unity?
1. Mafteach to Yeshayah 44:6:1, and on
Who are the "Moshi'im"?
Is sovereignty not Hashem's, until judgment is carried out against Esav?!
When will this take place? What does it mean that Hashem will then be King?
What will be recognized about Hashem's Unity, and His Name, on that day?
FINAL PASUK FROM TORAH
The Gemara (32b) cites a dispute whether "Shema Yisrael" can be counted as a Malchuyos verse. Why is this in doubt? We refer to our daily recitation of Shema as "accepting the yoke of Malchus Shamayim"! Is there a distinction between our acceptance of Hashem's Sovereignty on Rosh Hashanah, and that of the daily Shema?
HA'YOM HARAS OLAM
What does the term "Haras" mean in this context?
1. Parasha-Page for Rosh Hashanah 5756b Section II, 2
