The Torah reading for the first day is Gen 21, with the maftir Num 29: 1 - 6.  The first day's reading talks about Sara's attempts (and finally success) at having a child in her old age. Eventually, she forces Abraham to expel Haggar and her son Ishmael into the desert.

The haftara of the first day is the story of Hannah and her infertility, eventually leading to the birth of the prophet Samuel after a long and heartfelt act of devotion and prayer. ( I Samuel, 1:1 - 2:10)

For the second day, the Torah reading is Genesis 22, with the same maftir from Num 29.  The second day deals with the story of the Akeda, the "binding" (and near sacrifice) of Isaac. The maftir recalls the sacrifices offered and the shofar blowing associated with Rosh Hashanah.

The haftara for the second day comes from Jeremiah (31: 1 - 19), and talks of the return of the Israelites to their homeland. In a particularly poignant passage, the voice of (mother) Rachel weeps in Ramah that her children have been exiled and ot returned. But God comforts her, saying that her mourning will end for God loves the Jewish people and will return them to their land.

Be sure to study up!

R' David Bockman