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In His great love for us—Hashem shared with us what is going on in the heavens at this critical time of year so that we can succeed. The entire world was judged on Rosh Hashanah, but most of them didn't even know it. They went about their regular business, while we had the zechut to be in shul praying to Hashem. We were given the perfect words to say in the Amidah. We knew exactly what we needed to do: accept the kingship of Hashem upon us, internalize that there is purpose in life, that we are rewarded and punished for everything that we do, and blow the shofar. And now Hashem is prepared to remove our sins on the day that our judgment is finalized, and He told us what to do to make it happen. Yom Kippur is a day when we can become so close to Hashem. All we need to do is repent for the averot that we have done. On this final day of judgment, Hashem removes the satan so that nobody can prosecute us. He wants us to succeed. He wants to give us the best of everything. It is up to us to do our part. The plan of Hashem is for us to enjoy eternal bliss in the World to Come, but for that to happen we must do our jobs properly in this world. Yom Kippur is a time to focus on what's really important in life. All year long the yetzer hara tries to make us forget. He tricks us into sinning, but now, when we are the most focused, it's time to wake up. It's time to feel bad about what we have done and accept upon ourselves to leave those bad ways. Our souls yearn to be close to Hashem. That is the way we will be the happiest. A man told me that on a regular night there are an average of 10,000 Jews at the Kotel. Out of the 10,000, there are an average of 300 completely unaffiliated Jews, and out of those 300, at least 30 of them become ba'alei teshuvah just from the Selichot. From what? From putting their hands on the Kotel and saying out loud שמע ישראל ה׳ אלקינו ה׳ אחד . Their souls become aroused to become closer to Hashem. All of our happiness comes from being close to Hashem, but that requires us to overcome our evil inclination and do what Hashem wants. Everybody has things they know they can improve in. The yetzer hara tries to convince a person to push it off, saying eventually he'll change, just not yet. On Yom Kippur, when we are thinking clearly, we must accept upon ourselves to be the people we know we are capable of being. Sometimes it's extremely hard, but we have the ability to do it. Let us not let this opportunity go by without utilizing it properly. Somebody told me he has been in a bitter dispute with someone else. They both feel that they have been wronged, and neither of them would even consider apologizing to the other. Over the course of time, the hatred they had toward each other only grew worse. Many Yom Kippurs went by, and they continued carrying the weight of this machloket on their shoulders. Recently this man asked me for chizuk, words that would make him want to make peace. He reiterated that he didn't think it was possible to even talk to the other individual, let alone apologize. I told him there is something very important he must realize. He is viewing this as something between him and the other person, but he is forgetting the most important part of the picture: it is Hashem who commanded us not to hate. It is Hashem who commanded us not to have machloket. The same way we have a mitzvah to put on tefillin and sit in the sukkah, we have a mitzvah to have peaceful relationships with people. When a mitzvah is extremely hard to do, we dig deep down and we are moser nefesh to do what Hashem wants. I told this man to talk to Hashem and say: "Although it is extremely difficult to apologize to someone who I feel wronged me, I'm doing it for You, Hashem." With that act, he will bring so much kedushah into himself. He will connect to Hashem in amazing ways and rid himself of the terrible sin of hatred and machloket. When he does that, he will feel so much better. It will remove so much negative energy from his body and cause his soul to soar to the greatest heights. Now is the time to make teshuvah. Hashem wants to bless us in every way, and that is what He told us to do. It is up to us to push ourselves and accept to live up to our potential, and with Hashem's help, we should all have a gmar chatimah tovah.
Join as we discuss why you might be tempted to compare a Roman executioner with Sandy Koufax. CORRECTION: R. Hananya ben Tradiyon lived in the 2nd century, not the 3rd century. Join the WhatsApp group for our new Selichot podcast: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZkfSrCujZA26owBhxOJvx?mode=ems_wa_cSend any questions, comments, or critiques to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgIf you would like to partner with us to create more thoughtful and accessible jewish content, visit torahinmotion.org/donate, or email us at info@torahinmotion.org.You can find more thoughtful Jewish content at torahinmotion.org
We continue our conversation with ethics and teshuva expert Professor Louis Newman as he sits down with Rabbis Brad, Sam, and Natan, as well as Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair Beth Schafer for a live podcast recording on the evening of Selichot. What happens when sorry isn't enough? When do we absolve ourselves of our responsibility and how do we best enter the New Year with our best selves. Join us for a provocative and very candid discussion.
Join as we discuss the many voices that bring meaning to the Torah.Join the WhatsApp group for our new Selichot podcast: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZkfSrCujZA26owBhxOJvx?mode=ems_wa_cSend any questions, comments, or critiques to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgIf you would like to partner with us to create more thoughtful and accessible jewish content, visit torahinmotion.org/donate, or email us at info@torahinmotion.org.You can find more thoughtful Jewish content at torahinmotion.org
Shabbat Shuvah A close connection exists between the observance of Shabbat and the experience of teshuvah . This connection can be discerned already in the word שבת , which relates to the verb שוב , the root of the word תשובה . This connection also emerges from the following story told in the Midrash ( Vayikra Rabbah 10:5) about a meeting that took place between Kayin, after he repented for his sin, and his father, Adam: כיון שיצא פגע בו אדם הראשון אמר לו מה נעשה בדינך אמר לו עשיתי תשובה ונתפשרתי כיון ששמע אדם הראשון כך התחיל טופח על פניו אמר לו כל כך היא כחה של תשובה ולא הייתי יודע באותה שעה אמר אדם הראשון מזמור שיר ליום השבת. Adam asked Kayin what happened to him as a result of his sin, and Kayin replied that he repented and was thus given a light sentence. At that moment, the Midrash tells, Adam began slapping himself in frustration. "If I had realized that teshuvah was so powerful," he cried, "I would have performed teshuvah after my sin!" The Midrash concludes that Adam then proceeded to compose the Psalm of מזמור שיר ליום השבת , the special song for Shabbat. This clearly indicates that Shabbat somehow closely relates to the concept of teshuvah . Another indication to this effect can be found in a Midrashic passage cited by the Orchot Tzadikim( Shaar haTeshuvah) . The Midrash tells that when Moshe ascended to the heavens to receive the Torah, he found angels with a Sefer Torah open in each of the seven levels of heaven. At each level, the angels were learning about the corresponding day of creation: the angels at the first level were learning about the first day of creation, at the second level they were learning about the second day, and so on, until the seventh level, where the angels learned about Shabbat. Additionally, the angels at each level were discussing and praising G-d for a certain concept. At the first level, they spoke about the Torah; on the second, the Torah and the Jewish People; on the third, the city of Jerusalem; the fourth, Moshiach ; the fifth, the suffering of Gehinom ; on the sixth level, they spoke of Gan Eden and prayed that G-d grant the Jewish People a portion in Gan Eden . On the seventh level, which corresponds to Shabbat, Moshe Rabbenu held onto the Throne of Glory, which is situated on that level, and he saw all kinds of angels assembled discussing teshuvah . They praised the power of teshuvah , which reaches all the way to the Throne of Glory, as alluded to in the pasuk , שובה ישראל עד ה' אלקיך . This, too, points to a close connection between Shabbat and teshuvah . The seventh level of the heavens, which is situated near the Throne of Glory, corresponds to Shabbat, because Shabbat is associated with teshuvah , which rises directly to the Throne. The basis of this connection is the concept of return. Rav Wolbe noted that teshuvah does not actually mean "repentance," but rather "return." Teshuvah is about returning to Hashem, and Shabbat is the time when all of creation returns to its source. The concept of the seven different layers of the heaven is discussed by the Gemara, in Masechet Chagigah(12b). The Gemara there gives the names of these seven layers – וילון, רקיע, שחקים, זבול, מעון, מכון, ערבות . At the seventh level, the Gemara describes, there is "righteous, justice and charity," as well as "treasuries of life, treasuries of peace, and treasuries of blessing." (This, too, is connected to Shabbat, as it is the מקור הברכה – the source of all blessing – and thus G-d's "treasuries of blessing" are found on the seventh level of the heaven, which corresponds to Shabbat.) This level also contains the souls of the righteous, the souls of those who have not yet been born, and the טל תחיה – the dew with which G-d will one day resurrect the dead. Our Rabbis explain that the Gemara refers here not only to the literal resurrection, when the deceased will actually come back to life, but also the figurative "resurrection" – namely, teshuvah . A sinner is considered spiritually "dead," and the process of teshuvah enables him to regain his "life." The "dew" which enables us to "resurrect" ourselves after sin is found there, in the seventh level of the heaven, the level of Shabbat, because on Shabbat we are given the unique ability to grow and negate the harmful effects of sin. This unique power is given to us every Shabbat, but especially on Shabbat Shuvah, when Hashem calls to us, שובה עד ה' אלקיך – to return to Him, promising that our repentance will go straight to His Throne in the highest levels of the heavens. Shabbat Shuvah is so significant that the Tur ( Orach Chaim 612) records an opinion among the poskim permitting the recitation of Selichot on this Shabbat, despite the fact that Selichot is normally forbidden on Shabbat as it is inconsonant with the festive spirit of the day. The Bais Yosef explains that according to this view, the period of the Aseret Ymei Teshuvah is a time of danger, as we are being judged, and this unique situation allows us to recite Selichot and beseech Hashem for forgiveness. Although we do not follow this opinion, it demonstrates the special status of this Shabbat and how this is a most propitious time for teshuvah . Let us, then, take advantage of the unique opportunity offered by this special Shabbat, and thereby ensure that our teshuvah and efforts to grow and draw closer to Hashem will rise directly to His Throne, so we will be worthy of His kindness and grace throughout the coming year, אמן .
In this 15th episode of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses two questions related to Jewish practices surrounding death and repentance. Responding to Marilyn Robinson's question about prayers at a loved one's gravesite, Rabbi Wolbe explains the custom of reciting Psalm 119, using the letters of the deceased's name (and sometimes their parents' names) to select verses, followed by Kaddish with a minyan for its protective power over the soul. He emphasizes that Kaddish acknowledges Hashem's mastery, helping cleanse the soul from worldly distractions during the temporary purgatory process, which is not eternal except for the truly wicked. Personal prayers or conversations at the gravesite are valid for healing, but one should not pray to the deceased, only asking them to intercede with Hashem. Addressing the second question about Selichot timing, Rabbi Wolbe notes that Sephardic Jews begin Selichot at the start of Elul, following Moshe's ascent for the second tablets, marked by daily shofar blowing to prevent sin, while Ashkenazic Jews start a week or four days before Rosh Hashanah, depending on the calendar. Both communities recite Selichot during the Ten Days of Repentance, aligning with the period of seeking forgiveness, which Hashem grants readily upon sincere request, unlike human grudges. Rabbi Wolbe encourages learning from Hashem's forgiving nature and invites further questions for future episodes.In this episode of Ask Away we address these questions and topics:Marilyn: What is a prayer you recite at a loved one's gravesite?Carlos: Why do some start Selichot one month before Rosh Hashanah and others 10 days or a week before?Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #60) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on August 31, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on September 22, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Halacha, #Jewish, #Customs, #spirituality, #gravesite, #Kaddish, #afterlife, #faith, #responsibility, #inspire, #faith ★ Support this podcast ★
In this 15th episode of the Ask Away series on the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses two questions related to Jewish practices surrounding death and repentance. Responding to Marilyn Robinson's question about prayers at a loved one's gravesite, Rabbi Wolbe explains the custom of reciting Psalm 119, using the letters of the deceased's name (and sometimes their parents' names) to select verses, followed by Kaddish with a minyan for its protective power over the soul. He emphasizes that Kaddish acknowledges Hashem's mastery, helping cleanse the soul from worldly distractions during the temporary purgatory process, which is not eternal except for the truly wicked. Personal prayers or conversations at the gravesite are valid for healing, but one should not pray to the deceased, only asking them to intercede with Hashem. Addressing the second question about Selichot timing, Rabbi Wolbe notes that Sephardic Jews begin Selichot at the start of Elul, following Moshe's ascent for the second tablets, marked by daily shofar blowing to prevent sin, while Ashkenazic Jews start a week or four days before Rosh Hashanah, depending on the calendar. Both communities recite Selichot during the Ten Days of Repentance, aligning with the period of seeking forgiveness, which Hashem grants readily upon sincere request, unlike human grudges. Rabbi Wolbe encourages learning from Hashem's forgiving nature and invites further questions for future episodes.In this episode of Ask Away we address these questions and topics:Marilyn: What is a prayer you recite at a loved one's gravesite?Carlos: Why do some start Selichot one month before Rosh Hashanah and others 10 days or a week before?Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #60) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on August 31, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on September 22, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Halacha, #Jewish, #Customs, #spirituality, #gravesite, #Kaddish, #afterlife, #faith, #responsibility, #inspire, #faith ★ Support this podcast ★
Join as we discuss how to prepare for the sounds of the shofar. Join the WhatsApp group for our new Selichot podcast: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZkfSrCujZA26owBhxOJvx?mode=ems_wa_cSend any questions, comments, or critiques to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgIf you would like to partner with us to create more thoughtful and accessible jewish content, visit torahinmotion.org/donate, or email us at info@torahinmotion.org.You can find more thoughtful Jewish content at torahinmotion.org
In September 2011, Rabbi Sacks delivered his Selichot address at the midnight service in Western Marble Arch Synagogue. The service included music from the Shabbaton Choir with Rabbi Lionel Rosenfeld and Chazzan Jonny Turgel. This video is just the second part of the full sermon given by Rabbi Sacks. Watch this inspirational address to learn how Rabbi Sacks outlined our three choices as we face up to crisis, on a personal and national level. View the video footage and follow along with the transcript here: https://rabbisacks.org/videos/highlights-of-chief-rabbi-lord-sacks-midnight-selichot-service-address/
Join as we discuss our role in shaping the Torah. Join the WhatsApp group for our new Selichot podcast: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZkfSrCujZA26owBhxOJvx?mode=ems_wa_cSend any questions, comments, or critiques to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgIf you would like to partner with us to create more thoughtful and accessible jewish content, visit torahinmotion.org/donate, or email us at info@torahinmotion.org.You can find more thoughtful Jewish content at torahinmotion.org
Rabbinic Intern Adrian Marcos' Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 13, 2025. (Youtube/Zoom) Special Guest: Adrian Marcos.
Join as we discuss why its so important to be full of joy. Join the WhatsApp group for our new Selichot podcast: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZkfSrCujZA26owBhxOJvx?mode=ems_wa_cSend any questions, comments, or critiques to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgIf you would like to partner with us to create more thoughtful and accessible jewish content, visit torahinmotion.org/donate, or email us at info@torahinmotion.org.You can find more thoughtful Jewish content at torahinmotion.org
This evening we explore the ceremony of Bikkurim (bringing first fruits) and how it is structured to help us repel external enemies and resolve internal squabbles. We investigate the concept of Nechama (comfort or consolation after a major loss). Where do we hope to arrive, based on Rabbi Maurice Lamm, Rabbi S.R. Hirsch, Frederik Backman, and Suleina Jaouad. Finally, we trace the structure and significance of Selichot, which begin this Saturday night. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mining-the-riches-of-the-parsha/id1479615142?fbclid=IwAR1c6YygRR6pvAKFvEmMGCcs0Y6hpmK8tXzPinbum8drqw2zLIo7c9SR-jc Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hWYhCG5GR8zygw4ZNsSmO Please contact Rabbi Whitman (rabbi@adath.ca) with any questions or feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.
For a 10% discount on Rabbi David Sutton's new book A Daily Dose of Preparation for Yamim Noraim click the link below https://www.artscroll.com/Book s/9781422645086.html On Delayed Understanding This is a deep dive into the fifth contemplation from Sha'ar Cheshbon HaNefesh (Gate of the Soul's Accounting), a powerful and introspective series. Many of these contemplations are triggered by a real-life situation, a simple event that serves as a powerful metaphor. In this accounting the question we're meant to ponder is this: What should you think when you delay and push off understanding the Torah God gave us, and even worse, when you're complacent and it doesn't even bother you? Let's use an everyday example: prayer. We pray every single day, yet do we truly understand the meaning of the words? Does it bother us if we don't? During the season of Selichot (prayers of forgiveness), you might read a prayer you've said for years and suddenly realize you don't know what a certain word means. Maybe you look it up in a Hebrew-English text and discover you've been misunderstanding it all this time. Does that lack of understanding bother you? Compare this to how you react to other important documents in your life. If you receive a letter about a jury summons, your taxes, or a medical report and don't understand it, you're going to put in the effort to figure it out. If you're on vacation in a foreign country and get a parking ticket in a language you don't know, it will certainly bother you. You'll work hard to understand what it means and what action is required. We take the time to understand information from a human being, so how much more effort should we put into understanding God's Torah, which is our very life and our salvation? As the verse says, "Ki Hu Chayecha V'Orech Yamecha" ("For it is your life and the length of your days"). Rabbi Wolbe explains that when we say, "Ki Hem Chayeinu" ("For they are our lives"), it's not just poetry; it is a literal truth. The Chovot HaLevavot (Duties of the Heart) uses this analogy to speak directly to us, using the term " Achi " ("my brother"). He asks, "My brother , how could you allow this to happen? How can you ignore this? How can you be content with a superficial understanding and not delve deeper?" {The term "my brother" is a deliberate choice, just as Yacob Avinu used it when rebuking the shepherds who were wasting time at the well. As Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky taught, you have to connect with someone before you can give them rebuke. The Chovot HaLevavot knows this rule and creates a connection before delivering his message.} The prophet Daniel delivers a similar message when he says: "For the gods of silver and gold, copper and steel, wood and stone—that do not see, hear, or understand—you praised. But to God, in whose hand is your very soul and all your paths, you do not give glory?" There is an inherent disgrace in this. A story based on the teachings of the Pele Yoetz illustrates this perfectly: A man's wife bakes his favorite cake, while his daughter-in-law buys a cake from a bakery. The man pushes his wife's cake aside and eats the one from the bakery. When his wife starts crying, he asks what he did wrong. He's insulted her by rejecting her thoughtful gift in favor of something else. In the same way, we insult God when we choose to prioritize other things over His Torah . This is why King David, in Psalms, says of the righteous man, "B'moshav Leitzim Lo Yashav" ("He did not sit with scoffers"), but rather "Ki Im B'Torat Hashem Cheftzo" ("He desired His Torah"). The people who don't learn Torah are called "scoffers" because to "scoff" is to belittle. By sitting and engaging in idle chatter when you have the opportunity to engage with Torah, you are insulting it. We have a responsibility to show respect and importance to religious texts. With the High Holidays approaching, one of the most important texts we will read is the Malkhuyot, Zikhronot, and Shofarot —the central prayers of the Mussaf service—on which we are judged for the entire year. If a person had a court case or a major presentation, they would put in the time to properly prepare and understand what they were saying. Going into Rosh Hashanah without understanding the words of our prayers is like going to war without knowing how to use your weapon. To truly fulfill this contemplation, you must prepare. A great resource to help you is "Daily Dose of Preparation for the Yamim Noraim" from ArtScroll, a day-by-day guide to prepare for the High Holidays. It's a worthwhile book to use as you prepare and fulfill this חשבון . Go to https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422645086.html and place your order.
We often think of the liturgy for the Yamim Noraim as static words confined to the pages of the machzor. However, these prayers draw from the rich tapestry of the Tanakh. In the first part of this two-part series, we'll explore the biblical inspiration that breathes life into Psalm 27, sometimes called “L'David Hashem.” Many have the practice of adding this psalm to their daily prayers during Elul and Tishrei. This psalm-prayer has intriguing intertextual parallels with the passages in Tanakh that describe a city of refuge, a connection that holds rich significance if we read the psalm as a meditation on guilt and responsibility. In part two, we'll explore the passages from the book of Nehemiah that become climactic phrases used in Selichot, the prayer added during Elul and on Yom Kippur. Understanding the desperation and hope that characterized Nehemiah's time period yields add meaning to the recitation of these prayers.
We often think of the liturgy for the Yamim Noraim as static words confined to the pages of the machzor. However, these prayers draw from the rich tapestry of the Tanakh. In the first part of this two-part series, we'll explore the biblical inspiration that breathes life into Psalm 27, sometimes called “L'David Hashem.” Many have the practice of adding this psalm to their daily prayers during Elul and Tishrei. This psalm-prayer has intriguing intertextual parallels with the passages in Tanakh that describe a city of refuge, a connection that holds rich significance if we read the psalm as a meditation on guilt and responsibility. In part two, we'll explore the passages from the book of Nehemiah that become climactic phrases used in Selichot, the prayer added during Elul and on Yom Kippur. Understanding the desperation and hope that characterized Nehemiah's time period yields add meaning to the recitation of these prayers.
In September 2012, Rabbi Sacks delivered a Selichot address at the service in Hampstead Synagogue. Have you ever wondered what Professor Ludwig Guttmann (the founder of the Paralympic Games), Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have in common? Watch this inspirational address to learn how Rabbi Sacks linked these together to discuss the the essence of living and acting as a Jew. View video footage and read the transcript here: https://rabbisacks.org/videos/midnight-selichot-address-5772-to-live-and-act-as-a-jew/
On 21st September 2019, Rabbi Sacks delivered the Midnight Selichot address at the service in Hampstead Synagogue. Listen to his inspiring sermon on how to forgive. View video footage and read the transcript here: https://rabbisacks.org/videos/an-unforgiving-age-watch-rabbi-sacks-pre-selichot-address/
On 12th September 2009, Rabbi Sacks delivered the Midnight Selichot address at the service in Hampstead Synagogue. Listen to his inspiring sermon on how to create self-change, how to respond to crisis, and how to forgive. With thanks to Philip Baigel for providing the recording of this sermon. View video footage and read the transcript here: https://rabbisacks.org/videos/how-to-evolve/
Changing the Tone of Selichot after October 7th, by Rav Moshe Taragin This shiur was delivered before selichot Motzaei Shabbat Nitzavim-Vayelekh, in Congregation Rinat Yisrael, 2024 (Teaneck, NJ)
The lion roared. It roared last Elul, it roared last Rosh Hashana, it roared on Yom Kippur and it roared on Hoshana Rabba, October 6th – but we didn't hear it In 1972, Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair opened SARM Studios the first 24-track recording studio in Europe where Queen mixed “Bohemian Rhapsody”. His music publishing company, Druidcrest Music published the music for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1973) and as a record producer, he co-produced the quadruple-platinum debut album by American band “Foreigner” (1976). American Top ten singles from this album included, “Feels Like The First Time”, “Cold as Ice” and “Long, Long Way from Home”. Other production work included “The Enid – In the Region of the Summer Stars”, “The Curves”, and “Nutz” as well as singles based on The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy with Douglas Adams and Richard O'Brien. Other artists who used SARM included: ABC, Alison Moyet, Art of Noise, Brian May, The Buggles, The Clash, Dina Carroll, Dollar, Flintlock, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Grace Jones, It Bites, Malcolm McLaren, Nik Kershaw, Propaganda, Rush, Rik Mayall, Stephen Duffy, and Yes. In 1987, he settled in Jerusalem to immerse himself in the study of Torah. His two Torah books The Color of Heaven, on the weekly Torah portion, and Seasons of the Moon met with great critical acclaim. Seasons of the Moon, a unique fine-art black-and-white photography book combining poetry and Torah essays, has now sold out and is much sought as a collector's item fetching up to $250 for a mint copy. He is much in demand as an inspirational speaker both in Israel, Great Britain and the United States. He was Plenary Keynote Speaker at the Agudas Yisrael Convention, and Keynote Speaker at Project Inspire in 2018. Rabbi Sinclair lectures in Talmud and Jewish Philosophy at Ohr Somayach/Tannenbaum College of Judaic studies in Jerusalem and is a senior staff writer of the Torah internet publications Ohrnet and Torah Weekly. His articles have been published in The Jewish Observer, American Jewish Spirit, AJOP Newsletter, Zurich's Die Jüdische Zeitung, South African Jewish Report and many others. Rabbi Sinclair was born in London, and lives with his family in Jerusalem. He was educated at St. Anthony's Preparatory School in Hampstead, Clifton College, and Bristol University. A Project of Ohr.Edu Questions? Comments? We'd Love to Hear from You At: Podcasts@Ohr.Edu https://podcasts.ohr.edu/
Elul is here and people all over the country are keeping the before-the-high-holidays tradition of saying Selihot, asking for forgiveness and offering atonement. All this as rockets and planes fly, and bombs fall.
Hilchot Rosh Hashanah: Elul!!! Hilchot selichot and Rosh Hashana
Hilchot Rosh Hashana Part 1: 17 hour selichot?!? Waxing your chest!!! How to be “Metaken” the whole year in one week!!!
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
It is customary among Sepharadim to recite Selihot each morning during the month of Elul, ideally around the time of dawn. One should recite the morning Berachot before reciting Selihot; in particular, one must ensure to wash his hands with the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim," and recite Birkat Ha'Torah, before Selihot. It should be noted that according to some authorities, the time for the morning hand washing begins only at dawn. We do not follow this opinion, as we allow a person to wash his hands with the Beracha as soon as he wakes up with the intent of remaining awake for the day, even if this occurs in the middle of the night. However, in deference to the view that the time for washing begins only after dawn, one who washed his hands before dawn should preferably wash his hands again – though without a Beracha – after dawn. During the period of Selihot, then, one should arise early, wash his hands with a Beracha, recite the other morning Berachot, and then recite Selihot. After Selihot, he should preferably wash his hands again without a Beracha. As mentioned, the preferred time for reciting Selihot is the time of dawn, as this is the time when the Almighty is especially receptive to our prayers. Nevertheless, it is permissible to recite Selihot earlier, anytime after Hasot (midnight as defined by Halacha), or later, anytime throughout the day. Thus, for example, many communities hold Selihot services late on Mosa'eh Shabbat, after Hasot, since many people are up late on Mosa'eh Shabbat and it would be difficult for them to wake up at dawn for Selihot. By the same token, people who, for whatever reason, cannot recite Selihot early in the morning may arrange a Minyan for Selihot at any point throughout the day. Summary: Selihot should ideally be recited at dawn, though it may be recited at anytime from Hasot (midnight as defined by Halacha) until the end of the day. One should perform the morning hand washing with a Beracha and recite the other morning Berachot before reciting Selihot. If one washed his hands before dawn, he should preferably wash his hands again after dawn without a Beracha.
Can you sense new seasons coming in your life? Why is the month of Elul important? Join Rabbi Kevin Solomon of Congregation Beth Hallel as he shares insights about the High Holy Days we are preparing for, along with the importance of mercy. We have to be ready for what is to come through repentance, and we can be well-prepared with the mercy of the L-rd. Shabbat Shalom!Matthew 24.3; Matthew 24.29-31; Matthew 24.44; Exodus 34.6-7; James 2.12; Luke 18.35-43; Psalm 32.5-6Prayer Requests or send an email to info@bethhallel.orgCBH WebsiteDonateYouTube Channel
The Yeshivah should allow the Sephardic students to maintain their tradition of rising early to recite Selichot from the start of Elul. This practice does not interfere with their academic responsibilities. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/011/012/3768
In this class we study the blessing of Selicha, the 6th Beracha of the Amidah. We also study how the genre 'Selichot' evolved from Piyyutim designed for this Beracha.
Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someone's merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbifarhi/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbifarhi/support
With Rabbis Ibragimov, Hajioff and Mizrahi --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbifarhi/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbifarhi/support
Audio, eng_t_rav_2023-09-24_lesson_rb-1986-36-achana-le-slichot_n1_p1. Lesson_part :: Daily_lesson 1
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At our Virtual Morning Minyan on September 7th, Rabbi Lizzi prepared us for the High Holidays by teaching us about Selichot.Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. Our Thursday sessions are hosted by Mishkan's Founding Rabbi, Lizzi Heydemann. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai.https://www.mishkanchicago.org/series/morning-minyan-summer-fall-2023/Mishkan Chicago's High Holiday tickets are now on sale to the general public! For scheduling, pricing, venue information, and tickets, follow this link:https://www.mishkanchicago.org/high-holy-days/****For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inclusion page for information about our venues. Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates.Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss.Transcript
May One Recite Selichot Without A Minyan? Listen To Find Out :) To Dedicate A Halacha Moment WhatsApp 305-707-7259 Or visit https://HalachaMoment.Com/Donate To Be Added To receive Halacha Moment VIA WhatsApp visit https://HalachaMoment.com/Join To View More Halacha Moment's Visit HalachaMoment.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/halacha-moment/support
In this class we explore the origins of the Selichot prayers, and we trace the enormously complex layers of development that brought the modern collections into existence.
When Do We Start Reciting Selichot? Listen To Find Out :) To Dedicate A Halacha Moment WhatsApp 305-707-7259 Or visit https://HalachaMoment.Com/Donate To Be Added To receive Halacha Moment VIA WhatsApp visit https://HalachaMoment.com/Join To View More Halacha Moment's Visit HalachaMoment.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/halacha-moment/support
May one recite selichot before Mincha? Listen To Find Out :) To Dedicate A Halacha Moment WhatsApp 305-707-7259 Or visit https://HalachaMoment.Com/Donate To Be Added To receive Halacha Moment VIA WhatsApp visit https://HalachaMoment.com/Join To View More Halacha Moment's Visit HalachaMoment.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/halacha-moment/support
Are Yeshiva Students Obligated In Reciting Selichot? Listen To Find Out :) To Dedicate A Halacha Moment WhatsApp 305-707-7259 Or visit https://HalachaMoment.Com/Donate To Be Added To receive Halacha Moment VIA WhatsApp visit https://HalachaMoment.com/Join To View More Halacha Moment's Visit HalachaMoment.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/halacha-moment/support