23 Lessons
Tu Bishvat Ecology, Past, Present and Future
Tu B’Shvat is the new year for trees. We have much to learn from the trees and the Talmud relates a great message about the past, the future and the relationship between them.
Hanukkah In Our Time Miracles, Miracles Everywhere
Chanukah is the festival of miracles, but what are the real nature of miracles and how can we celebrate the miracles in our lives.
Yom Kippur The Holy God, the Holy King
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.
Yom Kippur The Power of One Day
Yom Kippur is a very powerful day that completely cleanses us. Just how powerful is it and how does it work?
Sukkot Back to the Succah
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?
Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret Why Be Happy?
On Simchat Torah we are particularly happy. What makes us so happy?
Shofar Blowing Praying for the Big Shofar
Rav Kook pointed out that there are three different of shofar. Each one of them represents a different type of redemption. This message is as relevant today as it ever was.
Shofar Blowing Blowing the Shofar, Together
We have the custom to blow the shofar throughout the month of Elul as a preparation for Rosh HaShanah. The shofar comes to wake us up but also to gather us together in order that we can return to God together.
The Laws of Three Weeks Rebuilding the Temple
The Three Weeks
The Three Weeks between the 17th of Tamuz and the 9th of Av are a time of sadness and danger. Rav Kook shows that they are also a time during which we can rebuild the Temple if we learn the secret of Causeless Love.
The 17th of Tamuz Breaking the Tablets, Mending the Tablets
Shivah Asar B’Tammuz
The Mishnah teaches us that the tablets were broken on the 17th of Tamuz as a result of the building of the Golden Calf. Rav Kook explains that if we understand the essence of idolatry we can find a way to mend the broken tablets.