The haftarah for this week is special because Rosh Hodesh, the observance of the New Moon, begins tomorrow. The beautiful haftarah is known as "Mahar Hodesh", the opening words of the prophetic reading. The source of the reading is First Samuel, chapter 20.

The prophetic selection shares the story of David and Jonathan. Jonathan, heir to the Israelite throne, is the best friend of David, the popular warrior. King Saul perceives that David is a threat to Jonathan's inheritance of the kingdom. Jonathan creates a ruse to inform David whether he is welcome at the palace. If Jonathan's archer is told that the arrows are close at hand, David may return to the palace. On the other hand, if the archer is told the arrows are distant, David must flee for his life.

Jonathan returns to the palace. When Jonathan shares with King Saul that David has returned to visit his family in Bethlehem, the king becomes enraged. King Saul curses his own son and throws his spear at him. Jonathan now knows he has no choice but to inform David that he is not welcome at the palace. The archer is told the arrows are far away.

Jonathan and David embrace. This meeting will be the last time the two friends see each other. Jonathan ultimately will die in battle against the Philistines.

Because of the opening words of the reading, "tomorrow is the new moon", this prophetic reading has been selected for the Shabbat before Rosh Hodesh. This occurrence allows us to share in this beautiful narrative from the Book of First Samuel.