Jacob’s dream of angels ascending and descending a heavenly ladder carries even greater ominous overtones then just the length of the four exiles. The 4th angel ascended but never fell back, seemingly to continue climbing – dooming us for eternal exile. How did God’s response that He would push the angel back calm down Jacob, and what does the seeming strangeness of the ascendance of the final angel imply about the internal exile we are mired in today?
Why do seven haftaros of comfort follow the 9th of Av? And why is Hashem asking us to comfort Him? Hear how Hashem’s hashgacha in the world moves us beyoud many puzzling questions, and past the pain of suffering - teaching us how to perceive the world as one, and not as a duality.
A basic misconception Jews have today is attempting to reach God alone - in the midst of a society that appears bereft of moral boundaries. In a most heartfelt manner, Rabbi Kirzner explains how we can polish our confused identity by using the accumulated potential of our illustrious giants. Hear how the life of our matriarch Rachel, in specific, proves our ability to reach this cohesiveness and complete redemption.
What greater dichotomy could there be then mourning on Tisha B'Av for the destruction and at the same time a faint hint of hidden joy? Rabbi Kirzner’s moving portrayal of this dichotomy of the pain, and the deeper meaning of consolation has a potential for deepening our appreciation for any suffering that may come our way.
The blast of the Shofar somehow shakes a primordial chord within our being. How should we relate to this eerie sound? With unusual clarity, Rabbi Kirzner describes how the shofar's cry can bring about a cathartic transformation from appreciating the ideas and emotions being called into play.
Is the culmination our repentance to merit a sweeter and blessed new year? For many, Elul is more realistically a fearful time to prepare for Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Kirzner’s inspirational message is that teshuvah is the chance to germinate a new relationship, and to respond to the dormant greatness within. Such an attitude can create a powerful thrust for utilizing this amazing period.
We believe that Creation began six days before the first Rosh Hashanah. So why do we consider the 6th day to be the birthday of the world? We learn that the ultimate creation came into being on that day - Man. Rabbi Kirzner explores just what is it that we're really celebrating.
How does the day of Rosh Hashanah merge the two worlds of joy and fear? This day is one when our self-esteem can receive a tremendous boost if we tap into the incredible energy surging into the world. Accepting G-d as our king, as awesome a task as it is also guides us to find direction in life, inner peace, and fulfillment. How can we proclaim our desire to crown G-d king, and be deeply happy to do so, despite our drive for autonomy?
The classic image of scales that spring to mind is the wretched punishment of Divine judgment. Yet at the same time Rosh Hashanah is known as the time when our Nation's splendor is to be extolled. Rabbi Kirzner discusses our unique relationship with God, and the potential for accepting His judgement with an increased desire to do His will with a full heart.
Rabbi Kirzner renews our sense of spirituality by guiding us to reestablish our link to the Jewish network. What exactly does this mean? He explains how this complex network connects one Jew to another, to form a greater whole. How will your effort to reunify help your overall success on Rosh Hashanah?