Custom has it that the Four Species which we shake in shul express the essence of the Sukkos holiday. In a concise and descriptive talk, Rav Berkovits explains the basic laws, how to buy, and the meaning hidden within them.
Really, what security is there in a Sukkah? For a week we're out of the house and more vulnerable to the elements. We sense the answer, but hear the forces at play that free us from worry and tension.
Succos embodies our deepest calling for complete reliance on Hashem. Rav Berkovits shows how trust in Hashem also includes believing in ourselves. This fascinating class explains trust in God and how in the shade of your Succah can help you tap into a feeling pretty close to the taste of olam habah.
Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits is a widely respected teacher with a unique ability to present a wide range of Jewish thought and practice in the most clear and understandable manner. The author of two books on shemiras haloshon (the practice of positive speech), Rav Berkowitz has taught and counseled thousands of students, from the novice to ordained Rabbis. Here, Rav Berkowitz gives an enlightening talk about Succos.
This 2 part crash-course on Sukkot begins with an overview of the themes and goals of all the Jewish holidays, and how Sukkot is the climax of the year and pinnacle of our personal joy. Hear why each of the proscribed actions we do this holiday lead to elevated feelings of inner happiness and security.
This 2-part crash-course on Sukkot begins with an overview of the themes and goals of each of the Jewish holidays. Sukkot is the climax of the year and the pinnacle of our personal joy. Hear how each of the specific actions proscribed on this holiday can lead to the uplifting feeling of inner security and joy.
Sukkos offers a narrow opening for reaching the sublime heights of joy, which are even greater than the transcendental heights of Yom Kippur. Hear how Hashem's love for us and our love for Him embrace beneath the peaceful sukkah branches.
At the end of days all the nations will plead with Hashem to also test them. He will offer them the mitzvah of sitting in the Sukkah. Rabbi Kahn probes the core difference between Jewish and non-Jewish thinking, and why the Sukkah plays such a pivotal role in Jewish thought. Hear also a breathtaking insight into the Sukkah from the biblical story of Jacob and Esau.
Why is happiness specifically related to the holiday of Sukkos? Rabbi Kelemen elaborates how different physical and spiritual levels of happiness interrelate and intrinsically depend on one another.
When the heart thirsts for refuge, there's no safer haven than inside the sukkah. That space under the natural roof and the stars is considered the most intimate way to consummate your bond between you and our Holy Protector on high.
After Yom Kippur we hopefully feel happy and relieved the day is over, and that we've been forgiven by sensing a new feeling of confidence to believe in ourselves again. The holiday of Sukkot is to bring us into a closer intimacy with God.
Turn whatever fear and love for God you've earned during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur into the joy of Sukkos. Rabbi Orlowek weaves the three holidays together - culminating in Simchas Torah.
There is a strange minhag on Hoshana Rabba of taking the aravos and beating them on the ground. The meaning of this practice is rarely discussed, but Rav Pincus gives us a peek at how this peculiar gesture is our way of kissing Hashem -and how He returns it.
In step with the introspective nature of the day, Rabbi Wein delves into a question that perplexes the greatest Jewish minds: why must we suffer through difficult times? Citing Torah sages, along with fascinating stories of Jews who triumphed through the Holocaust and Soviet Russia, Rabbi Wein gives an inspiring message on the strength of teshuva.
What power does Hoshana Raba have to finalize ones 'din' even more so than Yom Kippur? Rededicate the upcoming zeman of learning by realigning your mind to make every moment count.
What are we really celebrating on Sukkos? What is the exalted status the 'clouds of glory' protected the Jewish nation with, and how did the water-drawing (dancing) ceremony express an amazing joy? Rabbi Wagensberg answers these and other questions about the holiday from a mystical slant.
The world can be a lonely place. And even though we may sense God in the hurdles of life, there are times that He's just nowhere to be found. Rabbi Wagensberg explains the symbolism of the Sukkah and how it connects Hashem to the inner and outer parts of our lives.
To unravel the evasive secret of happiness, Rabbi Wagensberg delves into the quintessential holiday of Succos, to find the markers to attaining that uninhibited state of joy. One marker is trusting in Hashem, one of the most secure states we can feel, which brings contentment in its wake. Another marker is when we remove ourselves from the comfort of physicality, we sometimes also experience a true simcha. Listen in for a few surprises why.
We are enjoined to reach for ecstasy during Simchas Beis Hashoeva (the dancing which accompanied the water drawing ceremony). Rav Noah explains where this joy comes from and the ecstatic heights to be touched by dancing up a storm.
The ecstatic joy of Sukkos in the Beis Hamikdash was experienced at the Simchas Beis Hashoeva, where we would dance with the great sages of our nation throughout the night. What is the essence of this joy that has persevered us through centuries of exile and persecution. Can we access this joy even today?
The dancing and joy in the Beis Hamikdash during Sukkot was unmatched in the world. Rav Noah relates powerful stories about Jews who found incredible happiness in their fate as Jews from Russia to the Holocaust - using the threads of joy woven into our undestructible heritage.
Living in God's presence, which is what the Succah is all about, is intended to alter the essence of who we are. How so? Rav Yaakov proves why focusing on all our blessings within the Succah experience will bring about a happiness that will necessarily be followed by a deeper connection to His Divine presence.
Shmini Atzeres isn't just an extra day of Sukkos - without a Sukkah. Hashem wants us to spend one extra day with Him before we depart back to our daily lives. Hear how this closeness translates into sealing the love and warmth we've created during all these holidays.