Rebbetzin Heller is a senior lecturer at Neve Yerushalayim College in Jerusalem. Amongst her many areas of expertise are the role of women in Judaism and analysis of the lives of women in the Bible. Rebbetzin Heller herself is an example of a woman who has managed to balance her responsibilities as the mother of a large family with her roles as international speaker and author.
Considering that galus seems to be a real part of God's creation, it stands to reason that there's more to it than just being punished. Rebbtizen Heller's discussion is both far-ranging and specific as she defines exile and the darkness it embodies. Hear the four cloaks it has worn through history, and how to reach the light despite the heavy darkness.
Teshuva is to focus on reality, and to change our attitude. Until we can appreciate the consequences of our actions, any changes we're hoping for will be elusive and hard to pin down. Come spend an hour in Rebbetzin Heller's reality to make the most of these last few days of introspection.
Rebbitzen Heller's examination of teshuvah, and the imperative to engage in it during Elul will lead us to wonder the best way to accomplish it. This excellent discussion covers several approaches to teshuvah, leaving us to choose which might help best on leading us to successful change.
There are a number of habits we unknowingly cling to that hinder our doing teshuva. Rebbetzin Heller discusses a few of the major things we need to avoid, and how to correct them. Hear why we are attracted to such detrimental activities, including the tendency to criticize, and the resistance to own up once we've made a mistake.
Rosh Hashana is a momentous holy day packed with meaning. Rebbetzin Heller explains the significance of teshuva and what we should ask Hashem to help us change. She also explores how to relate to the sounds of the Shofar and the three main sections of prayer: Malchios, Zichronos, and Shofros.
Rebbetzin Heller discusses three basic character traits of Hashem, and how they can be expressed in our day to day actions. The traits discussed are; the ability to see the good in another; the need for fences to guard us from negative actions; and how to sustain our appreciation to those who we have benefited from.
What does judgment mean on Rosh Hashanah, and how does Hashem bring it about? To understand the three books people are inscribed in, Rebbetzin Heller explains how to write yourself into the righteous book. Hear how prayer works, and how to utilize it. What should we be aiming for, and how are all our needs for the coming year symbolized in the rituals of these two days?
Teshuva is the process of unraveling baked-in mistakes. Rebbetzin Heller helps us break through negative patterns that prevent us from shedding excess baggage, and how to best maneuver past obstacles that hinder us from successfully transforming our lives.
Yom Kippur is awesome, but also long and confusing. Rebbetzin Heller reviews the purpose of each prayer one at a time. Hear a concise, meaningful explanation of what to expect during each segment of the day, which parts you should be careful not to miss, and when are the best times to catch a break. After this talk any fear of getting lost in shul on Yom Kippur will be a thing of the past.
How do our deeds define us? A person's soul is endlessly luminous. But as we grow, we wrap curtains of deeds around ourselves that mute or totally dim the power of our glow. And of course, the more a sin becomes engrained, the harder it becomes to uproot. Burnish your soul's dullness back to its original luster by understanding the seder of the Yom Kippur Service.