To Renew Our Days
The last two commands of the Torah, mentioned in this week's parsha-Hakhel and the command to write, or at take part in writing, a Sefer Torah-are about renewal, first collective, then individual.
The Laws of Yom Kippur 5777
Preparing for Yom Kippur, Erev Yom Kippur, Halachot of the Fast, Those who are exempt from fasting, Yom Kippur, End of the Fast
The Song of Creation
Moses teaches his final commandment, "Write this song for yourselves." Moses wants each of us to write a Torah, not as a book of laws or teachings, but as a song.
Gazalnu – We Stole
Mr. Krumbein firmly accepted upon himself to return to those he knew he had cheated and also to donate to the local shul and community center.
Ordered Back To Life
He quietly related to the avreich how during the time he was without pulse or heartbeat he had ascended to the Heavens and was met by his deceased relatives.
Inspiration: Major Component of Emunah
Sometimes we are inspired by the simple sweet kindness and patience of a total stranger.
Yonah – Getting The Message
Rashi makes a critical observation: When Yonah was thrown overboard the pasuk says he was swallowed by a male fish. Yet when he davened to Hashem, the pasuk says a female fish spit him out.
Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part XII)
Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men?
Menachem
Daf Yomi
‘Stop, Thief!’
‘Are Identifying Marks Biblical Or Rabbinic?’
(Bava Metzia 18b)
Redeeming Relevance: Moving On and the Sins of Omission
As we approach Yom Kippur, it is time for us to think creatively, the willingness to chart a new path, about what we can do better.
A Practical Approach to the Ten Days of Repentance
We are humans. We have failings. We make mistakes. It is how Hashem created us. But, we have also been given a wonderful gift: Teshuva/repentance.
What is There in a Sound That Words Cannot Express — and Why Do...
What is there in the sound of the shofar that words can't express? The blowing of the shofar proves we can surpass ourselves. By our own voice we cannot produce this penetrating terrifying resonance
Jewish Practice In The U.S. Military (V)
Goldman's fight against the entire military establishment was stressful yet, oddly, exhilarating. He felt the Almighty was tapping him on the shoulder, whispering, “I want you to pull this off for Me”
Rosh Hashanah Guide for the Perplexed 2016
On Rosh Hashanah, one is expected to plan a spiritual and behavioral road map for the entire year. So when one hears the shofar blow,the trip begins
Calling All Souls: The Eloquent Shofar
In every generation, the shofar blow is not like other sounds. Those sounds we listen to with our ears, but to the shofar we listen with our souls. ALL Jews always thirst for this cry of longing.
Shabbos Mevorchim Tishrei
Rosh Hashanah on the first of Tishrei comes to assure us that we needn’t despair, for Hashem, our Heavenly Father, is eager to accept our teshuvah and wipe our slate clean.
Parshat Nitzavim
One thing a person can do to ensure that he repents quickly after he sins is to think ahead.
Magic In Jerusalem
Whatever the town or city or world capital our people temporarily call home, a Jew rediscovers himself in Jerusalem.
Offering A Gift
We stand in the final moments of 5776, prepared to transition to 5777, perfect moments to offer our gift to God, honoring all we have gained over the past year and how we intend to apply that growth
The Parsha Experiment – Nitzavim: How To Make Sense Of The Terrible Curses II
To understand God's curses at the end of the Torah, we have to follow a trail all the way back, to Creation, and the Garden of Eden
Air Conditioner Running
The Bergs spent Rosh Hashanah in the apartment and then went on to their relatives.
Daf Yomi
The ‘False’ Rumor
‘If One Found Notes of Acquisition’
(Bava Metzia 14a)
Q & A: Elul – A Time To Repent (Conclusion)
Question: Where does the name Elul come from? Also, how can Elul be both the last month of the year and the prequel to the holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) that occur in the following month, Tishrei, the first month of the new year? Finally, can you please discuss the religious practices of Elul?
M. Goldman
Miami Beach, FL
Festive Or Somber?
Looking from mother to father I would wonder: Is Rosh Hashanah a happy day or a sad day?