Jewish Holidays

On Simchat Torah we are particularly happy. What makes us so happy?

The Succah seems to be so flimsy and vulnerable, yet it is the archetypal example of protection. How can such a temporary structure provide such protection?

Yom Kippur is a very powerful day that completely cleanses us. Just how powerful is it and how does it work?

During these days we refer to God as the Holy King, this is due to the special relationship that we have with Him during this special time.

Only on the first day of Sukkot, when we fulfill the commandments of Sukkah and Lulav, do worldly matters “settle in” and take hold with the desired level of sanctity. Therefore, the fifteenth of Tishrei is the first day for reckoning transgressions.

Our sages teach: “If a person says, 'I will sin and Yom Kippur will atone,' Yom Kippur does not atone” (Yoma 85b). In this statement, they wish to underscore the fact that Yom Kippur is like a remedy for the sick and suffering soul. It can heal.

“Repentance preceded the creation of the world” (Nedarim 39b). In other words, repentance is an integral part of creation and bound to it by its very nature. It stems from God's own integrity, for without this, creation would be lacking in some way.