This special Shabbat is called Shabbat Shuva (Sabbath of Return) because the special prophetic reading from the book of Hosea starts with Shuvu Yisrael (Return O Israel). It is also called Shabbat Teshuvah (Shabbat of Repentance) as it calls the people of God to turn from their sins and rebellion and to return (shuv) to God.

Vayelech is the shortest Torah reading of the year, consisting of only one chapter. The reading for this particular Sabbath, which comes after Rosh Hashanah (Yom Teruah) and before the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), falls during the Ten Days of Awe (Yamim Nora’im) during which time we are to seek the Lord with sincere teshuvah (repentance) for our sins.

Shabbat Shuva actually has two special Haftarah readings.  Hosea 14:1–10 emphasizes the importance of heartfelt repentance and Micah 7:18–20 praises God’s mercy.