What is it about the month of Elul that leads our minds and hearts straight into Rosh Hashanah? Rabbi Geller's crash course on cultivating awareness, honesty and introspection is a smart way to get a head start on the upcoming year. A yearly classic for beginners.
We are told that on Rosh Hashanah we can experience compassion within judgement? But aren't these ideas diametrically opposed? Have you ever noticed how people enter a state of denial on committing a wrongdoing? Rabbi Kahn reminds us how to apply our minds to earn a positive judgement.
The blast of the Shofar somehow shakes a primordial chord within our being. How should we relate to this eerie sound? With unusual clarity, Rabbi Kirzner describes how the shofar's cry can bring about a cathartic transformation from appreciating the ideas and emotions being called into play.
One of the main focuses of our attempt to regain touch with our spiritual selves in the month of Elul is to return to the Jewish nation. But what exactly does that mean? Rabbi Kirzner reveals the complex map of connections that find one Jew to the next to form a greater picture that we don't see. How does our performance of the 613 mitzvot as a united body fit exactly what the service is on Rosh Hashanah?
Rabbi Lopiansky addresses two important issues regarding Rosh Hashanah: customs in general, and how each pertains to Rosh Hashanah. Hear a detailed progression of the davening and its significance at each stage. He also gives an interesting explanation of the 'simanim' we all do after the evening Kiddush.
Rabbi Lopiansky addresses two important issues regarding Rosh Hashanah: customs in general, and how each pertains to Rosh Hashanah. Hear a detailed progression of the davening and its significance at each stage. He also gives an interesting explanation of the 'simanim' we all do after the evening Kiddush.
Why do Jews wish each other a 'sweet' year on Rosh Hashanah? And how does sweetness characterize the Jewish New Year? Rabbi Wein's inimitable mix of wit and depth looks at the mystical concept explained by Reb Zadok on how 'time has personality' and why the personality of Rosh Hashanah is sweetness.
Rosh Hashana is the time of year we tremble. Our deeds over the past year may feel behind us, but part of Hashem’s decision for continuing the world is based on those countless forgotten actions done during the past year. Rabbi Weisz describes the judgments on Rosh Hashanah by explaining how the 'who we are', and 'who we want to be' can be what shapes the gifts and challenges awaiting us in the new year.
Why is it that modern society has this fixation that all they undertake has to be exciting? Does just the thought of the laborious task of doing teshuva discourage you? Catch a few sparkling moments of genius from Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg - whose challenge to us for taking teshuva to heart may be the key for that important change in your life you've always been hoping for.
There are a few concepts of Rosh Hashana that do not make much sense. First, why are we told not to pray for personal requests? And if it’s the birthday of the world, why all the fear and trepidation? And logically repentance of Yom Kippur should come before Rosh Hashanah! Rabbi Zeldman keeps us focused on the primary goals we hope to attain.