As I walked into the room I didn’t know what to expect.
I had traded some text messages with Daniel and we’d spoken on the phone, but we had never met in person.
I spotted a guy and had a feeling this was him.
Yom Tov – Festivals
The Jewish pilgrimage festivals mentioned in the Torah are Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. There are two other holy days of Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). Yom Tov also includes the rabbinic holidays of Purim and Chanukah.
Why Is Chanukah 8 Days?
Chanukah 5774
Why Is Chanukah 8 Days?
One of the interesting aspects of living in Jerusalem are the constant encounters with Jewish history.
For example, one of the Light Rail stops is Shimon HaTzadik, named after one of the High Priests.
When the train pulls into that station I often have two thoughts.
How to Change a Habit
Sukkah at Israel Museum
I was troubled during the Yom Kippur davening.
Toward the end of the amidah we beseech God, “May it be Your will that I don’t sin any more.”
I was thinking that I’m saying what I really mean, but I know that I will sin again.
I wanted a strategy to overcome sin.
Inspiration For After Yom Kippur
This morning I received an email that I’m sure many rabbis would have been proud to write.
Though not the author’s intent, it is a very powerful message as we leave Yom Kippur behind and move into the rest of the year.
Tu B’Shevat is Coming
It’s coming soon … just another week and a half … Tu B’Shevat.
Are you ready?
Do you know how to check your fruits to make sure you’re not eating any BUGS?
Chodesh Kislev – 8 Great Kislev Facts
Eight Interesting Facts about Kislev
Kislev is coming! Kislev is coming!
What’s the first thing you think of when someone mentions Kislev?
That’s a real no-brainer.
Inspiration – How to Keep It
We’ve just ended our annual holy day marathon.
Rosh HaShanah.
Yom Kippur.
Sukkot.
Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah.
Three wonderful weeks. (I’ll just add, much more pleasant than the summer period that is usually referred to as The Three Weeks.)
The Meal Offering of the Kohen Gadol
Parashat Tzav 5772
When the Torah writes about sacrifices, what’s the first thing you think of?
How many of you said, “A cracker”?
Let’s look at some verses that discuss the meal offering of the Kohen Gadol. It seems like it was some sort of a cracker, maybe similar to a matzah. As is usual, the translation is from Judaica Press.
3 Lessons After the Golden Calf
Parashat Ki Tisa 5772
After the sin of the Golden Calf, God told Moshe that he was going to destroy the Jewish people.
After Moshe destroyed the Golden Calf he then went back up to Har Sinai to plead for the people (Shemot 32:30-32).
Moshe pleaded with HaShem that the Divine Presence would remain with them. Here is part of that exchange (translation from Judaica Press):