Genesis gives us the first foundations of human life. Each story plants a seed. That seed later grows through individuals, families, nations, and history. The first chapters introduce renewal, freedom, temptation, responsibility, jealousy, exile, and hope. These are not only…
The Tur (written by R. Jacob ben Asher 1269-1343) notes in the name of his brother that the three festivals, Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot, correspond to our three forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov: Passover corresponds to Avraham because the angels…
I. Simcha Is Tzmicha How does Torah Judaism understand happiness? What is Jewish joy?Jewish joy is growth. That is the simplest way to say it, and the truest. Sukkot is called “Zman Simchateinu” — the Season of Our Joy —…
“For with You is forgiveness, that You may be feared” There is a Psalm that is often recited throughout the High Holidays. Psalm 130: A song of ascents. From the depths I called You, Hashem. My Lord, hear my voice,…
Introduction What words comes to mind when we think of Rosh Hashanah? Some will mention the months of Elul and Tishrei. Elul is the month that leads straight into Rosh Hashanah, which is at the beginning of the month of…
“From There Hashem Will Take You” When the Lowest Place Becomes the Beginning of Redemption There is a strange kind of fear that comes before Rosh Hashanah. On the one hand, Rosh Hashanah is beautiful. The shofar. The uplifting prayers.…
Introduction: A Promise That Seems to Defy Experience Deuteronomy 28 speaks plainly. If the Jewish people listen to G-d, their lives will be blessed. The chapter names health, food, work, children, security, and national strength. If they turn away, those…
This past Friday we began the Hebrew month called Elul. For us, it is the beginning of the High Holidays season. Thirty days after the beginning of Elul, we celebrate Rosh Hashana, and ten days after that we observe Yom…
Introduction "וְעַתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל מָה ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ שֹׁאֵל מֵעִמָּךְ כִּי אִם לְיִרְאָה אֶת ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ... וּלְאַהֲבָה אֹתוֹ... וְלִשְׁמֹר אֶת מִצְוֹת ה'... לְטוֹב לָךְ" "And now, Israel, what does the L-rd your G-d ask of you but to fear the L-rd your…
Introduction "וְעַתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל מָה ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ שֹׁאֵל מֵעִמָּךְ כִּי אִם לְיִרְאָה אֶת ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ... וּלְאַהֲבָה אֹתוֹ... וְלִשְׁמֹר אֶת מִצְוֹת ה'... לְטוֹב לָךְ" "And now, Israel, what does the L-rd your G-d ask of you but to fear the L-rd your…