Once a year we have the golden opportunity to clear from our slate the mistakes of the previous year. It may take a bit of planning and preparation, but with the warmth and encouragement of Rav Berkovits you'll feel the endeavor rewarding. If you have time for only one class this Yom Kippur, this session is highly reccomended.
Repentance is an ongoing interaction in our relationship with Hashem, and is one of the 18 blessings we ask G-d to help us with during our daily prayers. However, even with the urgency of doing teshuva so near to the Day of Judgement we somehow end up dealing with it in only the sphere of thought, and not with action. Hear how to forge a reality of 'time to change' into your hearts.
On Yom Kippur and the 15th of Av, Jewish girls used to dance in the vineyards to attract the young Jewish men into marriage. Such a bizarre practice for a modest Jewish girl to arouse a man’s baser instincts? Listen in as Rabbi Kahn compares this ceremony to the Tabernacle Service - and both to the Revelation at Sinai.
What does it take to get up from a fall? Many of us dread even the thought of it. God however, took this into account by creating the antidote of 'teshuva' before He completed creation. Using Rabbi Elazar ben Dudai's amazing Talmudic story of his encounter with a woman of ill repute, Rabbi Kahn shows how the subsequent necessary emotions he went through brought him to complete teshuva - on the spot.
How do we make changes that last from year to year instead of watching them fizzle out soon after Yom Kippur? Rabbi Morgenstern offers a number of practical ideas and shows how even a small success is a big gain when Hashem reviews our overall progress.
After prophet Yeshayahu tells Chizkiyahu HaMelech to prepare for death, soon after he prays to reverse the verdict, which Hashem grants. Yet by Chanah who prayed intensely for a child was only answered after 19 years. The Ten Days of Teshuva offer us a limited window to learn a bit more about tefilla’s power.
Considering the fact that teshuvah (repentance) is able to fully wipe clean certain actions from our slate, we can begin to appreciate the enormity of the gift. Rabbi Silinsky explains the idea of gehinnom in a way we can relate to, and describes what might happen if we don̢t deal with it. He also explains the concept of Jewish reincarnation.
Most approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with a sense of fear. Rabbi Tauber helps us appreciate these days - even though we'd never ask for them in the first place. Hear what the unique power of the shofar̢s cry is, and what we're really asking for when we ask for life.
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 brings about the cleansing of the teshuvah process? Rav Yaakov’s careful analysis of the Rambam’s words brings to light the details that makes teshuvah more comprehensible and effective. Learn how Yom Kippur gives kaparah, and hear a fascinating discussion on intent vs. action with a Korban Chatas.