Jacob were born in _Tishri_, and in
_Tishri_ they died. On the first of _Tishri_ the universe was created,
and during the Passover was Isaac born. On the first of _Tishri_ (New
Year), Sarah, Rachel, and Hannah, three barren women, were visited. On
the first day of _Tishri_ our ancestors discontinued their rigorous
labor in Egypt. On the first of _Tishri_ Adam was created; from his
existence we count our years, that is the sixth day of the creation. On
that day, too, did he eat of the forbidden fruit, therefore is the
season appointed for one of penitence, for the Lord said to Adam, 'This
shall be for a sign in future generations; thy descendants shall be
judged upon these days, and they shall be appointed as days of pardon
and forgiveness.'"

Four times in the year the Lord pronounces His decrees.

First, New Year, the first of _Tishri_. Then the judgments of all human
beings for the coming year are ordained.

Second, the first day of Passover. Then the scarcity or fullness of the
crops is determined.

Third, Pentecost. Then the Lord blesses the fruit of the trees, or bids
them bear not in plenty.

Fourth, The Feast of Tabernacles. Then the Lord determines whether the
rain shall bless the earth in its due season or not.

Man is judged on New Year's and the decree is made final on the Day of
Atonement.

Rabbi Nathan has said that man is judged at all times.

Thus taught Rabbi Akiba. "Why does the law command the bringing of a
sheaf of barley on the Passover? Because the Passover is the season of
the harvest of the grain. The Lord says, 'Offer for me a sheaf of barley
on Passover, that I may bless the grain which is in the field.'

"Why does the Bible say, 'Bring two loaves of the new wheat on
Pentecost?' Because at Pentecost time the fruit ripens, and God says,
'Offer for me two loaves of the new wheat, in order that I may bless the
fruit which is on the trees.'

"Why were we commanded to bring a drink-offering of water into the
Temple on the Feast of Tabernacles? Because then is the season of rain,
and the Lord says, 'Bring the drink-offering of water to me, in order
that I may bless the rain of the year.'

"Why do they make the cornet which they blow of a ram's horn? In order
that the Lord may remember the ram which was sacrificed instead of
Isaac, and allow the merits of the patriarchs to weigh in favor of their
descendants, as it is written in the Decalogue, 'Showing mercy to
thousands of those who lov