In this masterful overview of the Jewish Calendar year, Rabbi Goldhar defines how 'Jewish time' really works by giving us a visual picture of how the 12 Jewish Holidays fit together as a unified, cyclical process of personal growth through the four seasons of the year.
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.
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.
How are we to relate to Rosh HaShana when year after year we know that horrible people are judged for death, yet they continue living healthy, prosperous lives? Even harder to understand is how righteous tzadikim, who by all rights are entitled to great blessings may unexpectedly die, or continue suffering? Rabbi Zev Leff articulates the deeper reality of this enigmatic question, and defines the different forms of judgement that Hashem portions out.
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.
Scores of barriers spring up to block our access to greater inner spirituality. Rebbetzin Neustadt shows us ways to reach through our gross physicality by beginning to identify with our neshamah's voice. Just by understanding the incredible strength your soul possesses can become a strong ally in your efforts to reach within.
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.