We don’t cry over spilled milk. So why are we still shedding buckets of tears over tragedies that happened thousands of years ago? Rav Berkovits shows us a clear focus to keep in mind throughout the day, and how Tisha B’Av prepares us for the transformational progression of Elul, Rosh HaShannah, Yom Kippur and Succos.
What part does viduy play within the Yom Kippur prayers? How much do we need to confess to fulfill the mitzvah - perhaps one word is enough. In explaining the text, Rabbi Berkovits brings viduy down to earth.
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.
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.
Rabbi Leff focuses on the ultimate purpose of viduy during Yom Kippur. How does viduy crack through layers of falsehood to enter the hidden areas of your soul? An inspiring and valuable shiur.
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.
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.
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.