After 40 years of miracles the Jews knew without a doubt who ran the world. But Moshe told them just as they were about to enter the Land of Israel that they were blind, deaf, and without understanding. Rav Berkovits explains that it is easy to see, hear, and understand God while He is spoonfeeding us miracles, but the real challenge is to see God in our day-to-day lives, which is the central focus of preparation for Rosh Hashanah.
During the ten days of repentance there is a special mitzvah of tefillah - talking to Hashem whenever you can, about anything you need. This is coupled with teshuvah, changing out direction in life, and leaving the wrong we have done behind. But how can we change ourselves down to the depths of our gut instincts, and natural sense of enjoyment?
Teshuva during the day of Yom Kippur creates a special magic that is not available any other time. Rav Berkovits explains how to prepare for this once-a-year opportunity that sheds a lot of light on your current situation.
For many wives, the experience of 10 Days of Awe consists of cooking, kids and keeping house. In this two part class Rav Berkovits firstly explains how a responsible husband, particularly during the month of Elul, can encourage his wife to grow, and in what ways he can help lessen her burden. In the second part hear practical ways he can share his daily acquired knowledge with her - especially during the first year of marriage. Learn the art of sharing life messages with the one you love the most.
In order to be judged favorably on Yom HaDin, first understand how the Heavenly Court judges cases in general, and also in particular. Rabbi Morgenstern reviews the clear instructions that Chazal gave us to receive a favorable judgment on this day.
On Rosh Hashana we refrain from expressing our joy through Hallel because our judgment may not turn out so favorably. And yet, don't the Rabbis say we should be positive on Rosh Hashana since Hashem tears up His harsh decrees against us? Rebbetzin Karlinsky sorts out this contradiction, and explains why it leads to personal greatness and Klal Yisrael's eternal existence.
Contrary to the universal myth about money, there is something even greater that 'makes the world go round' - which is 'the fire of desire.' Pure ratzon is the crux of free choice and the driving force behind success. Rabbi Orlowek plots the course people should be aiming for the coming year. He examines the key points of the Rosh Hashana tefillah.
On approaching Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, how can we convince Hashem that we’re really deserving of His continued investment in us? Rabbi Pincus pinpoints the places in the machzor that were designed to help us recreate ourselves anew. Hear a key on reaching up to Hashem with sincerity and passion.
If each of us is a product of the Creator, how is it possible for a created being to be a creator in turn to set its own destiny? Come explore this interesting anomaly with Rabbi Tauber as he explains how the process works to recreate yourself on Rosh Hashanah.
The structure of the 13 midos of Rachamim is truly a wonder. However, it is not a carte blanch system of unconditional mercy that side steps judgement. It is more along the lines of an emergency application for times when the world should have been destroyed. Rabbi Noson Weisz explores the Derech Hashem's perception of how this system works.