Yom Kippur is not about reliving tragic events that happened ages ago. The task on this day is to invigorate the life-giving forces that help to improve the human condition. Tap into the pure uplifting energy that these holy days are able to provide.
Yom Kippur Katan is a day of soul searching, a look at the month that has passed. But teshuvah's first step is the decision to act, spawned by the sincere desire to become a bigger person. If you have that, you can be sure Hashem is behind you, helping you overcome yourself to become great. Lets realign our priorities, rejuvenate our enthusiasm, and tackle the new month with a fresh burst of energy.
Yom Kippur helps us reach past who we think we are - and to yearn for who we'd like to be. Mrs. Juravel explains how vidui (confession) is the power of the day. She ties in how allowing the awesome cry of the shofar to shake our souls helps to sway our judgment to the good.
Is there a time when the holiday of Rosh Hashanah ends and Yom Kippur begins? Why do the Ten Days of Repentance take place in the gap between the solar and lunar cycles? What symbolism do the sun and moon have and how do they interact with one another? Rabbi Kahn describes the mystical moments of twilight that harken us back to the point of creation - giving us regenerative powers despite rules of nature to the contrary.
In this interesting talk, Rabbi Moshe Aaron Stern delves into the puzzling story of Yonah the prophet, and Nineveh, the non-Jewish city to which he was sent to demand their repentance. Yonah was in fact the only prophet ever who was sent to implore non-Jews to repent. How come? The Rabbi's inspired answer to the question can change the way you prepare for this year's Yom Kippur experience.
Rabbi Stern looks at all the extra time we'd have to learn if we were in fact aware of all these moments. Sharing inspirational stories of great men, and even ordinary men, who with just a few small ideas achieved greatness in learning far beyond their most optimistic expectations.
One's negative thoughts, speech, and actions have the unwanted result of adding layer upon layer of tumah upon our souls. By letting Yom Kippur help us activate the holy spark that fuels our neshama, we can loosen the sludge that has encrusted our heart. Rabbi Wagensberg helps us to reach back to that pristine state of purity we experienced as children in order to trigger the inner glow and vitality we all yearn for.
In order to reach a higher plateau this Yom Kippur, break out of the mindset that all in all, you are doing ok. Learn how you can increase your aspirations, and how to view your existence as your neshama does, preferring to keep striving higher rather than simply remaining where it's comfortable.
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.
Elul is over, Rosh Hashanah is behind us - and now we are approaching the last minutes before Yom Kippur, Do we have what to show for it? Mrs. Shira Smiles shares a few powerful insights on how to consciousness of Hashem's presence.