21 Lessons
Peninei Halakha 5. Tzom Gedalia
Chapter 6: The Four Fasts Commemorating the Destruction of the Temple
On the third of Tishrei, Gedalia b. Aĥikam was killed. This extinguished the last ember of Jewish sovereignty in Eretz Yisrael and realized the full measure of exile. This is why the prophets instituted a fast day.
The Essence of Yom Kippur The Secret of Yom Kippur
Why does Yom Kippur atone for Israel's sins? The secret is rooted in the "covenant of love" between G-d and His people Israel...
Revivim Yom Kippur - A Day of Liberty
Afflicting the body and soul on Yom Kippur releases one from the shackles of the body and the material, and allows one to connect to the root of his soul.
Revivim Rosh Hashana - Expressing the Acceptance of G-d's Kingdom
The central theme of Rosh Hashana should be part of our appearance and actions.
Revivim Understanding Selichot
All about the custom of reciting Selichot for the Salvation of the Clal
Revivim Individual Atonement is Rooted in Communal Atonement
Atonement on Yom Kippur emanates from the brit (covenant) of love which God made with our forefathers. Fasting on Yom Kippur releases the soul from its material bondage and desires, revealing its true, good aspirations.
Revivim Judgment on the High Holidays
In the opinion of many Jewish law authorities, the principal judgment on the High Holidays concerns the World to Come * Life in the World to Come is divided into two stages: the World of Souls, and the Resurrection of the Dead * "The reward of a mitzvah, is a mitzvah" – one who is judged for life on Rosh Hashanah will have events occur during the year that help him continue ascending spiritually * In general, the righteous are rewarded and the wicked are punished, but the factors of judgment are profound and complex * Why do the righteous sometimes suffer, and the wicked live the good life in this world * Reward and punishment is according to the intensity and effort of the test * The effect of the judgment of ‘Clal Yisrael’ on the individual* What is Man judged for during the High Holidays?
Shofar Blowing The Laws of Blowing the Shofar
The Jerusalem Talmud relates that the enemies once heard Jews blowing the shofar during morning prayers. They thought it was a war cry and attacked the worshipers. Therefore, the sages instituted that the shofar be blown during the Mussaf prayers.
The Essence of Rosh Hashana The Story of the “Unetaneh Tokef” Prayer
The holiday approached and Rosh Hashanah arrived. Rabbi Amnon of Mainz asked his relatives to bring him to the synagogue with all of his dismembered organs and to place him by the prayer leader. We can well image the atmosphere in the synagogue.
The Essence of Rosh Hashana Starting the New Year on the Right Foot
On Rosh Hashanah, every action has significance pertaining to the year to come. This is the first day of the year, and it is on this day that God apportions life to all creatures; therefore, action and thought on this day influence the entire year.
Yom Kippur Concerning Yom Kippur
One who completes the Days of Awe as he should has certainly merited coming closer to the Almighty. And even if he was judged unfavorably above, this too is for the best, for it serves to rectify him and prepare him for life in the World to Come.