Rav Yitzchak Berkovits, founder and director of The Jerusalem Kollel (www.thejerusalemkollel.com), is a widely respected authority on Halachah and well known for his telephone tapes on Shmiras Halashon. He is well known as a teacher and lecturer throughout Jerusalem and was ordained at the Mirrer Yeshiva, Jerusalem.
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.
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.
The most impressive victory against the mighty Greek empire was a small but significant revolt from the Jewish people. Even still, the Jewish nation was not surprised by this victory. There was an extremely threatening ideological issue at stake. Hear a most articulate speaker discuss this intense power struggle.
The Chanukah story is unique among Jewish successes. Without prophecy to guide them, this small group of freedom fighters changed the face of the Jewish nation forever. Inspire this Chanukah with more meaning and understanding.
When is the best time to light? Are some menorahs or wicks better than others? Where and how should you place your menorah - inside the home, or outside your front door? Hear all the pertinent details for lighting your Chanukia during the weekdays and before Shabbos.
On first reading, Mordechai's decision not to bow to Haman seems to have endangered the entire Jewish population. Was it foolhardy and irresponsible, or since he was the leader of a generation could we even entertain that is was the wrong thing to do? This question revolves around when does the mitzva of Kiddush HaShem apply, and under what circumstances must one sacrifice his life for it? Hear the core principles of this highly exalted trait and how it moved the Purim story as it did.
Purim is a funny and very unusual Jewish holiday! Rav Berkovits describes how we are to party till we no longer know what's up - or down. He takes us through the 'whole' Megillah and explains how this story teaches us to perceive the Divine puzzle of life in action.
Purim is definitely an exciting holiday, but don’t forget the halachic issues that need to be understood and applied. From Ta’anit Esther and reading the megillah, to giving matanosle’evyonim and mishloachmanos. Rav Berkovits sails through it with crystal clarity to keep you in step during all the merriment.