Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3) writes: “Although the sounding of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah is a Divine decree [which is accepted without our having to understand its reason], nevertheless, we can discern a purpose in doing so. It is as…
הצב”י אסף פורטל ס”ט והחתן עמד בפתח מחייך”… החגים הנפלאים שלנו צבעוניים הם. זוהרים בססגוניותם. סעודת ליל ראש השנה על שלל סימניה הטובים: תפוח בדבש- לשנה טובה ומתוקה. גרגירי הרימון האדמדמים- לריבוי זכויות ומצוות. ראש הדג- שנהיה לראש. וחג…
A Jewish mother is walking with her small son along the shore, enjoying the sounds and smells of the ocean. Suddenly, without warning, a huge wave comes in and washes the boy out to sea. The woman screams, but no…
Once a man came to his Rabbi and asked him an important question; “ How many Rabbis does it take to change a light bulb?” The Rabbis reply was swift, “We don’t change anything!” Interestingly the word for “year” in…
Rosh Hashanah is the most primal of our holy days. It takes us back, year after year, to the world’s first day and speaks to us of the essence of our existence. On this day, the Creator takes account of…
A Jewish mother is walking with her small son along the shore, enjoying the sounds and smells of the ocean. Suddenly, without warning, a huge wave comes in and washes the boy out to sea. The woman screams, but no…
וטהר לבנו לעבדך באמת כי אתה ה’ א’ אמת. Cleanse our hearts O God that we should serve you in truth, for you God are a God of Truth. We shall be repeating this verse in the Amidah throughout Rosh…
The main Avodat Hayom – service of the day -of Rosh Hashanah is to sweeten the judgment and arouse mercy. That Hashem should stand down from His Throne of Judgment and sit on His Throne of Mercy and Kindness. This…
At the height of our High Holyday services we will declare: “Penitence, Prayer and Charity can avert the evil decree”. We will recognise that prayer is a central, fundamental and transformative ingredient of our Jewish experience. According to the Talmud,…
