Rabbi E in 3

We go on lots of journeys in this world--small and big, to the mountains and to the beach...and sometime to far-off lands. But we learn from this week's Torah portion, Massei, which describes the Jewish people traveling and encamping in the Sinai desert--that the true purpose of all the journeys that Hashem leads us on in our lifetimes (and He IS leading us) is spiritual: to serve G-d, wherever and however we are--battling our negative traits, and expressing our positive ones, to elevate ourselves and all of Creation!

Today is a fast day, the 17th of Tammuz, and it ushers in a period of sadness in the Jewish calendar year, culminating in the Fast of the 9th of Av (Tisha b'Av)--the day on which both Temples were destroyed (not to mention other calamities). Is this about wallowing in the sufferings of the past? No, rather, we are truthfully acknowledging that the world is NOT where we want it to be, and coming to terms with how we Jewish people-chiefly through the transgression of sinat chinam (baseless hatred)--brought about the destruction of the Second Temple! In these three weeks, we mourn the dimming of that divine light in the world...so we can LONG for its return, and take personal responsibility to lead better and more righteous lives that will bring that about.

There is much to learn from the disruptive effects of the Canadian wildfires on the lives of people (including me, Rabbi E) hundreds and thousands of miles away. One main lesson is that we are profoundly interconnected on a physical (and environmental) level. But Judaism teaches that we are SPIRITUALLY interconnected as well. Every good deed we do (or word we say) helps to create a purer, more illuminated and holy spiritual "atmosphere" throughout all of Creation! And the opposite, G-d forbid, is true as well: the negative and hurtful deeds we do (or words we say) create--as it were--a foul, light-blocking SMOKE that negatively affects all of Creation, reducing the spiritual light that G-d intends for us to bring into this world...and polluting the atmosphere for everyone. Let's try to make wise and good choices, and choose mitzvot and deeds/words of righteousness and kindness, so that we all can breathe better!

Is there a Jewish holiday that celebrates the very PURPOSE of existence? I'm glad you asked...The answer is YES. (And it begins in a few hours.) Shavuos, the time of the giving of the Torah. We Jewish people relive the awesome and utterly unique event of the Revelation at Mt. Sinai. Our entire nation was elevated to a level of prophecy, hearing the 10 Commandments directly from Hashem (or at least the first two--that's a discussion), and perceiving with absolute clarity that Hashem is the One and Only true Being, source and sustainer of all existence. AND author of the holy Torah, which He lovingly GAVE to us in order to instruct us on how to elevate ourselves and all of Creation...and connect it back to Him. "For the sake of the Torah, Hashem created the heavens and the earth." Yes, indeed, Shavuos celebrates the true PURPOSE of Jewish existence...and of all Creation. SO, get your cheesecake ready and enjoy this somewhat RAW and loose episode of Rabbi E in 3, recorded live in the Great Outdoors--though not in the Wilderness of Sinai! (Note: the custom to eat dairy foods on Shavuos has many beautiful ideas associated with it, some discussed in this episode, including that Torah is the quintessential nourishment for our souls, to keep them growing and glowing...just as mother's milk does for our young bodies.)

Shavuos is the most underappreciated Jewish holiday, for sure. It's even completely unknown to many Jewish people. TUNE IN to Rabbi E in 3, as we make the final countdown (or count up) to the festival of the giving of the Torah...the (national) Revelation at Mt. Sinai.

Shalom, everybody. Are you READY to GET READY for what is arguably the most important Jewish (holi)day in the Jewish calendar? It's 10 days from now...that's right...and it's the Jewish holiday you might never have even heard of (I didn't as a kid), or perhaps only have some vague idea about....But it's the holiday that really defines who we are as a Jewish people. We have 10 days to get ready for SHAVUOS: the holiday when we re-experience receiving the Torah at Mt Sinai, the day when we collectively as a nation heard Hashem utter the 10 Commandments. Pesach is the festival of our national LIBERATION, but SHAVUOS--the true culmination of the Exodus--is the holiday of REVELATION. So here'smy idea: let's get ready TOGETHER for this incredible holiday! Stay tuned for some more podcast episodes from me, Rabbi E, that I hope can help inspire us TOGETHER to prepare for this unbelievable (and unsung) Jewish festival.

We have more rules on Seder night than any other night of the year. Is that "freedom?" Absolutely. Tune in as we discuss the deeper meaning of the freedom Hashem granted us when He took us out of Egypt more than 3300 years ago...and allowed us to become His servants

I'm Rabbi E, and I have not put out a podcast episode for weeks and weeks. But today is a new day, the first of the month of Nisan in the Jewish calendar: a day infused with the energy and power of renewal like none other in the calendar year. SO HERE IS A NEW START. A new sound, a new approach, a new commitment to this podcast and its original vision and conception. ENJOY....and may this beca month of renewal and redemption for you!

Why a trip to Poland for a Jew is so important and meaningful, and INSPIRING! Recorded on my phone, live in Poland, while staffing a trip for Jewish students.

Join old Rabbi E, as I share insights, reflections and blessings on reaching halfway till 120. The Rabbis tell us that the age of 60 brings "seniority," (older age, if you will), but MUCH more importantly, WISDOM! And the foundation of all wisdom, Judaism teaches, is realizing that we, and the world, have a Creator and that He gave us a life full of so many blessings...in order to BE a blessing in this world! Tune in as I, the now "old(er)" and I hope, "wise(r)" Rabbi E, get into an expansive, blessing-bestowing birthday mode. Or hear as a Rabbi E in 3 podcast, on Apple, Spotify...or click here: https://player.captivate.fm/show/b4ed503c-3cf8-457a-8a52-2a8822a45ff4 (https://player.captivate.fm/show/b4ed503c-3cf8-457a-8a52-2a8822a45ff4)

Won't you stay just a little bit longer?? Tune in for this MUSICAL episode of Rabbi E in 3, as I melodically introduce you to the festival of Shemini Atzeres, the "8th Day of staying back," which takes place at the end of the Sukkot holiday (begins in an hour or two). APOLOGIES TO JACKSON BROWNE, but the very essence of this holiday is about staying in Hashem's presence just a little bit longer...rejoicing with Him and with the Torah (as we complete the yearly cycle of our reading). Chag Sameach!

A few thoughts to start the week of Sukkot, recorded live from the Sukkah of Rabbi E!

Yom Kippur is an aweome day of return: returning to healthy relationships with others, and returning to the real, pure spiritual essence of who we are. And what makes that possible is both the forgiveness that Hashem (and other people!) lovingly grants us,and the PURIFICATION that we experience. All the "stains" on our souls, so to speak (from the hurtful and negative words, deeds and thoughts we all--as human beings--fell into), are utterly washed away. We are purified through the observances of Yom Kippur, as we are purified by the waters of a holy mikveh! And it gets out EVEN the coffee stains!

We all know that Rosh Hashanah is a special time, and that Yom Kippur is a special time....but we may not be aware that the days BETWEEN Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are also a very special and elevated time! A time when the Jewish people have always tried to multiply their good deeds and mitzvot, their prayer and acts of charity...so that we may be judged favorably by G-d, and inscribed for a good year of life on Yom Kippur. They are days of when the spiritual ice is smoother (Zamboni days!), the spiritual air is cleaner (low pollution index days??!), and the opportunity and facility to do TESHUVA ("return") is greater than at any other time!! To return to a deeper connection to ourselves, to our fellow human beings, to the Torah and its wisdom, and to Hashem Himself. "Seek out Hashem when He is near," the prophet Isaiah tells us...and our Sages explain that this special nearness of G-d refers to NOW, the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur!

Recorded on the last day of the Jewish year, 5782, hours before Rosh Hashnah, I discuss some of the beautiful ideas connected to this magnificent holiday of the new year...and the powerful 10 Days of Return (the first ten days of the year)--ZAMBONI DAYS, smooth and powerful "spiritual skating" days--that culminate in Yom Kippur. The focus is on OUR thoughts, OUR will and OUR desire for the completely new year ahead, and the kind of people we want to strive to be during this completely new year ahead. It's a time to dip an apple in honey, yes, and enjoy family and friends.... but it is also a time to clarify for ourselves what is truly most important in life, and what in life is worth "CHOOSING." Shana tova!!

We are NOT supposed to be slaves...that is why Hashem took us OUT of slavery. Yet, we all still suffer in 2022 (myself, Rabbi E, very much included!) under a cruel and harsh team of taskmasters. "Work," "Work Mentality," "Cell Phone," "Social Media,"....these are some of the "head honchos" of that group of modern slavedrivers that rob us of our outer AND inner freedom! But, wait, we are meant to be FREE, and we Jews have an unbelievably precious and beautiful key to attaining that freedom from slavery: Shabbos, or Shabbat! (She answers to both.) Tune in to this epidsode to learn more. But more importantly, Grab back your freedom...Good Shabbos!

A long day of fasting and mourning is approaching (after Shabbos, August 6th-7th), the fast of the Ninth of Av (Tisha b'Av), commemorating the many, many tragedies that befell the Jewish people throughout the ages on this day. But this day of mourning is NOT about wallowing in our past suffering, but rather, about looking at (and FEELING) what we are missing right NOW. And about LONGING for the time--may it be speedily, in our days--when we WILL get it a1l back (and more). Please tune in, whether or not you observe the fast day: I discuss important concepts in Judaism in genera1!

The word for "word," in Hebrew (davar)is the same as the word for "thing" (with different vowels). Why? Because words have a real weight to them, they are not just so much air. That same word is a1so one of the words in Hebrew for, "leader!" Why? Because our leadership position as human beings in G-d's Creation is demonstrated and expressed largely through our power of speech. (Yes, Judaism teaches that ADAM, humanity, is meant to LEAD this whole huge operation towards holiness and completion.) SO: Mean what you say...strive to DO what you say...and lead your life by (and through) your words. That's the basic topic of this latest episode of Rabbi E in 3!.

Rabbi Edelstein (Rabbi E), of MEOR DC here, and join me as I share my excitement at being in the amazing Land of Israel, after three uninterupted Covid-ravaged years outside! Come visit, whoever you are,--whatever your religion, beliefs or politics. You will be inspired, awakened, excited, stuffed (with amazing food), challenged....and exhausted! I LOVE IT! BARUCH HASHEM!

Jealousy, rebellion, a misguided yearning for (spiritual) INDEPENDENCE....and ultimately, tragedy! Rabbi E. discusses some of the amazing lessons of this week's Torah portion, Korach (Book of Bamidbar/Numbers). Tune in, and may we all appreciate and celebrate our OWN portion--talents, gifts, mission--in this world, and not be SWALLOWED up by jealousy and craving/coveting what really belongs to someone else.

Join me as I discuss how and where we are going, as we are led through life...based loosely on this week's Torah portion, Beha'aloscha (Book of Numbers). And featuring a not-too-out of key introduction (?) taken from a song from the 70's, if my boomer memory serves me well. May we all work on seeing our lives as being LED by Hashem ("NOT WANDERING"), to the Promised Land (both literally, as Jews, and more figuratively, to our own spiritual completion and self-actualization). Sing along with me: "Do You Know Where You're Going To? Do You Like the Things HASHEM is Showing You? Do you know...???"

Join us for a short exploration of the Jewish attitude towards the (abundant) physical pleasures of this BEAUTIFUL world...including the lovely fruit of the vine, in fermented form.(Based partly on this week's Torah portin, Nasso, second in the Book of Bamidbar.) And the simple answer is, "Yes, it absolutely can!" Physical pleasures in general are a great source of vitality in life (obvioulsy) but also very much part of the Jewish concept of holiness (perhaps not so obviously). IF we keep them in perspective, and use them wisely as part of a life of larger meaning and purpose. "Moderation" is not the most enticing, or fully accurate, way of describing the Jewish view of how to relate to the physical pleasures of life --though it is certainly not wrong, and very good as a general (if bland) description. The better term, however, is "ELEVATION!"

You may well NEVER have heard of the holy Jewish festival that is coming up this year immediately after Shabbos: "SHAVUOS." How can that be? It arguably should be the MOST acknowledged, celebrated and eagerly anticipated Jewish holiday of all. It's when the Jewish people RECEIVED the Torah, which is--after all--the source of all the other wisdom and laws in our tradition (including those about more famous holidays)! There are probably many reasons...Tune in to this episode of Rabbi E in 3 as we discuss, and hopefully, get ready to RECEIVE!

With war and pandemic and economic crisis caving down on us, what can we do? Not sure about that, honestly....but at least we can start by not causing harm, pain, or anguish with the words we use each and every day, in each and every encounter, in each and every relationship. Tune in as I discuss the SEVERE AND ALL-IMPORTANT (not quaint!) Torah prohibition of "ona'as devarim," hurting someone else with our words. Is it hard? Well, yeah, I guess it is...but remember: we were sent to this earth precisely to tackle the hardest jobs of all--like elevating and purifying our character traits, including our power of speech.

Welcome to a most uncharacteristic episode of Rabbi E in 3! I recorded it, even though it was not "the perfect time" (whatsoever) to do it. Not at all! And that's exactly the lesson I want to convey, in fact, and it happens to be a HUGELY important one: We shouldn't wait for the "perfect time" to start to work on a self-improvement project, OR to do a certain kind deed or mitzvah we've contemplated...or to study Torah! As the great Rabbi Hillel tells us, in a classic ethical teaching that I quote in the episode: "Don't say, 'When I am free, I will study; for perhaps you will not become free.'" That free time, that perfect time, may never--or more likely, will never--come! And it may just be G-d's intention for us to do that good deed, or start that self-improvement project, or dive into that (even brief) Torah study session anyway. Right now...BECAUSE it is not the perfect time!

"In every generation, a person is OBLIGATED to see oneself as leaving Egypt." Those are the words of the Haggadah....What exactly do they mean? How do we achieve this? Clearly, the Passover Seder is meant to be something much more than just a commemoration of an ancient event, however heartfelt. It is also a deeply personal opportunity (and OBLIGATION!) to experience a taste of true spiritual freedom: allowing G-d to grant us freedom from all the forces, external and internal, that hold us back from truly serving Him and reaching our unique spiritual potential. In short, we all can leave our personal "Mitzrayim" (Egypt) on Seder night! Tune in to this episode of Rabbi E in 3 for more discussion!

Passover is almost here, so I want to give you something to really think about. On Seder night, we have more rules and regulations--that is to say, we observe more mitzvot/commandments--than on any other single night of the Jewish year by far! ("Eat this, and drink this, and lean this way...," etc.) And notice that this festive meal of our holiday of national liberation is called "seder," which itself means..."order!" Now, let me ask you this ONE simple question (and we can save the famous four for later): Is that any way for us Jews to celebrate, "FREEDOM?" The answer is, "It is the absolutely PERFECT way to celebrate our freedom!" We just need to think more deeply (and Jewishly) about that famous and beloved word. " Tune in to this latest episode of Rabbi E in 3 for details!

Every person, Jewish or not, should be aware of what's related in this week's Torah portion, Yisro (in The Book of Exodus). It describes the most important event in human history arguably: The Revelation at Mt. Sinai, and the uttering of the "10 Commandments" by G-d to the entire Jewish people. They were the gateway to, and microcosm of, the rest of the Torah, which constitutes the instruction manual to elevate ourselves and the world...and infuse it with righteousness and godliness. And before hearing the 10 Commandments, the Jewish people collectively, as a nation, accepted the BIG offer (and responsibility) of entering into a covenant with the Holy One, Blessed be He! Big stuff. It's all right here: tune in, as I discuss! And this was recorded not directly as a podcast, but as an old-fashioned video, Rabbi E in 3-D. NO INTRO OR OUTRO THIS WEEK...Producer on break.....just me speaking! Enjoy.

Not feel like smiling? Yeah, I get it, things are kind of crazy in the world. Frowning seems more appropriate. But hold on: smiles are nice, and we all need to feel (and share) warmth and light as much as possible, in my grumpy opinion. Well, the good news is that sometimes all it takes to get the ball rolling--or the smile glowing--is simply putting a pen in your mouth, thereby artificially positioning your facial muscles into the facsimile of a smile. And then, due to the marvelous unity of our physical and emotional/spiritual selves (part of the miracle of G-d's creation), "smile" has somehow been neuronally registered and dopamine is released in our brains. And that means we begin to FEEL happier. The "external" smile has awakened, or induced, an "internal" and genuine feeling of greater well-being. Modern psychological studies have confirmed it...but it's a classic truth discussed in traditonal Jewish sources long before. The external can awaken the internal. Of course, we have to work directly on our inner selves too, and that is primary: studying Torah deeply to absorb its life-affiriming wisdom; praying; cultivating real relationships with others, etc. But taking external action to move ourselves in a better direction--even in the absence at first of the inner joy or spark or inspiration--can be a tremendously helpful strategy to employ to make our lives better. So follow Rabbi E's advice: put that pen in your mouth...and start to smile!

Talk about an episode of Rabbi E in 3 with lots of TESTS!! (Perfect start for 2022, eh?!) From the uncertain acoustic quality of recording in a new home "studio," to the annoyance of having a swab inserted in my nose to find out if I have Covid...to EVERYTHING else that you and I experience in our lives! All the way from the "big" issues and challenges we face on an ongoing basis, down to the the "small" encounters and incidents that inform our daily experience. Judaism teaches that all of life is about facing nisyonos (tests/challenges), which are really specific, precise, Heaven-sent OPPORTUNITIES to elevate ourselves and the whole world!

Chanukah is ending, it's true...8 days infused with a special, inspirational "energy"of light, miracles and purity. But don't worry: there is PLENTY of opportunity to still experience light, miracles and purity in our daily lives beyond the holiday...even if we have to work a bit harder to uncover and enjoy them. Listen to this final epsiode of the "Illuminating Chanukah" series as we discuss bringing the treasures of Chanukah with us as we move forward.

The Greeks were fine with having us be Jewish as an ethnicity (Jewish-Hellenist!) but not Jewish as a HOLY people, with a special mission from the One G-d and special laws (mitzvot) that elevate us--and this world--to a level above mere "nature!" That is why they took special aim at Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh (the new month--our unique Jewish calendar) and circumcision: mitzvot which most vividly announce that we are trying to bring holiness (kedusha) into every aspect of our physical and bodily lives! This is episode 6 (but Day 7) as the holy Shabbat was NOT a day when I recorded a podcast....which I realized would happen only after starting this 8 day series!!! Gotta figure out what to do about that. But for now, Please enjoy Episode 6!

One of the central traits of the Jewish people throughout our history has been, "mesiras nefesh," or "self-sacrifice," meaning going to the very limits of our strength in order to Keep the Torah and serve G-d. The whole Chanukah story is founded on the incredible mesiras nefesh of the Maccabees, and the relatively small number of other Jews who joined them in order to resist the decrees of the Syrian-Greek empire. They went beyond what was "normal" and "natural," and consequently, Hashem responded by rewarding them (and us forever after) with something beyond the normal and natural: the open miracle of one night's worth of oil in the Temple burning for a full eight nights. When we, in our own lives, grab on to the holy trait of mesiras nefesh, we too can awaken a powerful response from Above...and achieve far more than we may think possible.

Part of the story of Chanukah is, of course, the battle between the Maccabees and the Syrian-Greek armies, or more broadly, between the Jews and a foreign civilization. But a huge part of the back story was the tension within Jewish society at that time itself, between those Jews more loyal to the Torah (and its commandments), and those Jews who were powerfully drawn after the outside Hellenistic culture. This is not just ancient history, but a recurring tension throughout our long history, up to and including our own time: loyalty to Jewish ways, values and traditions vs assimilation, or acculturation. It is really a battle within our own hearts! Please tune in to Episode 4 of "Illuminating Chanukah" for an exploration of this intriguing and relevant topic!

Chanukah is the festival of lights, a time of great illumination--in both the physical sense (as embodied in the candles of the menorah we kindle at nightfall), and in the spiritual sense of (re)opening our eyes and hearts to appreciate the hand of G-d in Jewish history. But as we enjoy the glow of that steadily increasing light--and, indeed, as part of that very experience enjoyment--we also need to think about the tremendous darkness that preceded the miraculous salvation. It was a time of terrible decrees and persecution against us, focusing on stamping out observance of the Torah and its commandments, our unique (and holy) Jewish way of life that stood opposed to the prevailing pagan, Hellenistic culture of the time. The joy we feel today as we celebrate Chanukah should surely include our gratitude to be living in a time (by and large) of being able to proudly and openly observe the Torah, and practice our Judaism.

The "small" act of kindling the candles of the Menorah is a very big deal. It's a declaration of individual dedication to the Jewish people (and its history); it's a dedication of one's home to Jewish ideals and to the mission of being a "holy people" and light to the nations...and it's a huge illumination for your OWN neshama (soul)--which is itself likened to a "candle" sent into your body (and this world) to dispel the darkness!

8 miraculous days of illumination...and 8 (miraculously?) consecutive episodes of Rabbi E in 3! Chanukah is truthfully a far more important and meaningful holiday than many suppose. If we get beyond the latkes and donuts (while enjoying them, of course) to think about it more deeply, we can find much to inspire us. The awesome power of self-sacrifice, the miraculous spirit and survival of the Jewish people through dark times of persecution (and against all odds), the uniqueness of the Torah and the mitzvot: these are just some of the uplifting lessons that we can re-learn each year. Chanukah also CHALLENGES each one of us-I would argue--to take an honest look at how much we are influenced (positively and negatively) by the powerful allure of the culture around us. Join me as I explore many of these themes in 8 consecutive, illuminating episodes of Rabbi E in 3!

Welcome to my birthday edition of Rabbi E in 3! November 3rd is MY special day...the day, to paraphrase a great Sage, when (many years ago, won't say how many just now), G-d decided the world could not exist without me!! (Or this podcast?!) A birthday is an opportune time to realize how supremely important each and every one of us is, and to feel overwhelming gratitude to be alive....and maybe even to bestow some sincere blessings that are inspired by that sense of joy. Truthfully, EACH AND EVERY DAY we should remember how important we are, and how much faith Hashem has in each one of us to live up to our potential. But a birthday is at the next level, perhaps...dialing up the amp to number 11 (above 10), baby boomer reference there for those who catch it! So, in place of sending me presents, give me downloads (!)...and please tune in for MY birthday thoughts and blessings!

The Jewish definition of strength has nothing to do with bench presses or push ups...though those might help someone get into shape, or at least develop some seriously bulging musculature! (Not that I, Rabbi E, would know...talk to me about treadmills, not barbells.) In Jewish ethical thought, "strength" is defined as the ability to control or check our potentially destructive and damaging impulses, desires, passions. "Ben Zoma says: "Who is strong? One who can subdue an impulse." [Pirkei Avos: 4, 1] It's a hard job, and one to keep us busy our whole lives, that's for sure. But someone--or rather, every single one of us--has to try to do it. So my friends (and, yes, myself): BE STRONG, and let's exercise that muscle of self-control!

A great Jewish Sage, Rabbi Tarfon, summarized the Jewish view of life in a famous and evocative aphorism: "The day is short, the job is huge, and the workers are lazy; the pay is great and the Master is pressing." We have a huge job to do--elevating and rectifying ourselves AND the world--and the instructions to get it done (our Torah and its commandments), and Hashem wants us to do as much as we can (no more, but no less). And we get a tremendous reward for our work...more specifically, for our EFFORT!!! Time is short, and we tend to err on the lazy side for various reasons (myself included). Tune in to this episode as I discuss. Get busy, do your best...don't freak out. (Those are my words, not Rabbi Tarfon's!)

In traditional Jewish wisdom, every letter of the Hebrew alphabet corresponds to a number. Many profound insights can be derived through connecting words and verses in the Torah that share the same numerical value--a method of textual interpretation known as "gematria." Well, when I happened to notice that this would be my 32nd episode since first launching this podcast back in November of 2020, I thought immediately of the Hebrew word, "lev," that has the numerical value of...32. I decided I had to seize the opportunity, and devote episode # 32 to examining the crucial importance of lev (heart) in our service of G-d as Jews (and human beings). "The Merciful One desires the heart," as our Sages famously teach, meaning that G-d wants us not just to mechanically perform mitzvot (commandments) with our limbs, or ritualistically utter words of prayer or blessing with our lips , but to have a sincere inner motivation to draw ourselves close to Him--and to elevate ourselves and the world--THROUGH those actions and words. And to do them with the greatest attention possible...with all our heart (lev)! So have a heart...and give episode #32 a listen!

The Jewish festival of Sukkot may be just about over...but its precious lessons on how to live our lives with joy (simcha) can stay with us--and guide us--throughout the whole year!

Yom Kippur is an unbelievable gift to the Jewish people, a day not to grumble about how hungry we may be (or think about how our stomachs are grumbling from the fast!)...but to rejoice at the opportunity to RETURN to our deepest selves and to REGAIN our inner purity and freedom. Not to mention the blessing of restoring love and harmony between ourselves and our fellow human beings...and between ourselves and Hashem, who is "Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King). What are the actual steps we need to take to RETURN? Tune in to this short and sweet overview of Yom Kippur as I, Rabbi E, SING to you those simple steps of teshuva ("return") in a melody from my childhood. Which is kind of appropriate, as we are approaching G-d, in a sense, like wayward children who now want to return and be reconciled with their loving parent. (Who has been waiting for us all along.) If we SINCERELY express that we are sorry, and that we truly want to do better in the year to come, then Hashem will forgive us AND purify us.

The first 10 days of the Jewish year, from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur, form a discrete unit in time, uniquely powerful in their potential for inspiration, transformation...RE-CREATION! They are known as 10 Days of Teshuva, or "return." The opportunity to reconnect more strongly with our deeper selves, and with our purest desires for a purposeful life...as well as with our fellow human beings, with the Torah and its wisdom...and with G-d! It takes effort, sure, but we can GLIDE FORWARD in these 10 days with a special speed and exhilaration unlike any other time in the year. That's why I like to refer to them as...ZAMBONI DAYS. Wishing you very happy skating....and a sweet, good year!

Getting Back to our roots...and living up to our name! This applies to the present time in the Jewish calendar, with the new year fast approaching. The Jewish High Holidays summon us to the process of "teshuva," or "return," to return to our own personal roots, the deepest spiritual essence and mission that each one of us has. Rosh Hashanah itself is the anniversary of the creation of "Adam," mankind, and that very name (Adam) summons us--his descendants--to keep the "aleph" (which, in one understanding, represents our soul, the "portion" of G-d in each one of us) in front of, and always leading, our "dam" (which means, "blood," and signifies our physicality). AND this podcast should live up to ITS name, Rabbi E in...3! NO? Or at least we should honestly discuss the matter. So join me in this episode, which truly IS Rabbi E in 3 (minutes rounded down!)

Let's all agree that negativity is NOT good....No? For some of us--myself very much included--it is not always easy to NOT be negative all the time! But honestly, that is NO way to live! In this episode of Rabbi E in 3, I share a bit of my (ongoing) struggle with negative thoughts and speech, which has diminished my own enjoyment and accomplishment in this world. And I discuss the fundamental Torah and Jewish perspective that we must strive to SEE what's good, and SAY what's good, as much as possible throughout our lives! We have NOTHING to lose by NOT being negative...and only abundant joy and blessing to gain by strengthening ourselves to look for...and notice...and give thanks for ALL the amazing good that surrounds us!

"And you shall remember the entire way on which Hashem, your God, led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to afflict you to test [elevate] you, to know what is in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not." Each one of us is journeying through the Wilderness of life, with many blessings and challenges. The purpose is to truly notice, appreciate and remember all the many Blessings AND the many Challenges of that journey. AND to realize their ultimate purpose: to help us achieve our ultimate spiritual potential in this world.

Mastering the trait of enthusiasm/alacrity (zerizus in Hebrew) is essential if we are to realize our great potential in this world! It is a fundamental pillar of Jewish ethics and self-development, exemplified in the actions of our holy and righteous ancestors in all generations. We must always strengthen ourselves to transcend our natural, physical "heaviness" and sluggishness, and speedily grab on to the good deeds and mitzvot that nourish and express our spiritual essence (and elevate the whole world). You cannot ever afford to CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM--my apologies, Larry D.--or you may easily lose those precious opportunities for growth that present themselves to all of us each day.

Just in the thick of the summer, when most people are thinking about fun in the sun or on the water or on the deck (grilling ,with beer in hand), the Jewish calendar brings us to a more subdued frame of mind. We are now in the period known as "the three weeks," culminating in the saddest day of the Jewish year, Tisha b'Av (the 9th of Av), when both Temples were destroyed...among other tragedies. A time of "mourning" our past (and present) mistakes, and the many difficulties that have come in their wake throughout our history. But it is NOT about despair or mere sadness, which are both anathema to Judaism.Rather, this period of time should strengthen our LONGING for a better, more spiritually elevated world--which WILL be realized fully in the messianic era--and to redouble our commitment to help usher in that era through our deeds of righteousness and practice of mitzvot (commandments). Join me, Rabbi E, as I discuss and clarify, WITH the help of my VERY SPECIAL GUEST, the energetic and insightful, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, Director of MEOR @ University of Maryland and host of the podcast, "Jews You Should Know."

Why does the Torah mention, "remembering," so much? Are we supposed to be living in the past? Not at all: it is about THE PRESENT, and making the most out of every moment NOW. In this episode of Rabbi E in 3, I discuss our common misconception about the purpose and power of "remembering," which is really about the present and not the past. Do we want to have an awesome and meaningful life NOW? Then we must never stop REMEMBERING!

We're back! That means a couple of things: first, the kickoff of a new season of Rabbi E in 3 (after a bit of an hiatus), with a looser feel and more varied format (guests, interviews, more craziness?), as well as a new era in this country of LIVE, IN-PERSON meetings and reunions after the long, cold spell of Covid disconnection. Tune in, as I share some insights on the beauty of RECONNECTING!