Podcasts about Shemini Atzeret

**Today's Halacha is dedicated f or the refuah and haslacha of Ronnie, Sharon, Eli and all the children of CARE** The days of Hol Ha'mo'ed – the period between the first and last days of Pesach, and between the first day of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret – are referred to in the Torah as "Mikra Kodesh" – holy occasions. We describe them with this term in the Musaf prayer on Hol Ha'mo'ed, as well. Although they are not the same as Yom Tov, they are nevertheless designated as special, sacred days and must be observed as such. For this reason, a number of Halachot apply regarding the proper observance of Hol Ha'mo'ed. As Chacham Ovadia Yosef writes (Chazon Ovadia – Laws of Pesach, p. 158; listen to audio for precise citation), on Hol Ha'mo'ed one should increase the amount of time spent studying Torah. The Torah obligates us to rejoice on the festivals, and Torah learning brings a person a special kind of joy. Furthermore, certain restrictions apply with regard to working on Hol Ha'mo'ed. It is also proper to wear one's Yom Tov clothing on Hol Ha'mo'ed (as Chacham Ovadia cites from the Sefer Yerei'im and Shibolei Ha'leket), and to eat special meals with bread each day and night of Hol Ha'mo'ed. The special obligation of Simcha (joy) requires that men partake of men and wine and women wear special festive clothing and jewelry. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109) speaks very harshly about those who "disparage the festivals." Rabbi Ovadia of Bartenura (1445-1524), in his commentary to the Mishna, explains this passage as referring to those who treat Hol Ha'mo'ed as ordinary weekdays, rather than celebrating them as special days of joy and Torah study, as discussed. One must therefore ensure to properly observe Hol Ha'mo'ed through the practices described above. A very important comment in the Talmud Yerushalmi (Mo'ed Katan 2:3) puts into proper perspective the desired nature of the Hol Ha'mo'ed observance. Rabbi Abba Bar Mamal is cited as saying that if he had the support of his colleagues, he would suspend the prohibition against working on Hol Ha'mo'ed. This prohibition was enacted solely for the purpose of allowing people to spend Hol Ha'mo'ed enjoying festive meals and studying Torah. But instead, Rabbi Abba observed, people use the free time for frivolous and meaningless activities. If this is how people spend Hol Ha'mo'ed, Rabbi Abba laments, it would be better for them to go to work and involve themselves in constructive activity. Chacham Ovadia Yosef infers from this Gemara that frivolous behavior on Hol Ha'mo'ed is worse than working on Hol Ha'mo'ed. Rabbi Abba was prepared to allow people to work in order to prevent them from engaging in non-constructive, foolish activities, and he thus evidently saw frivolity as a worse infringement upon the honor of Hol Ha'mo'ed than work. It is both ironic and unfortunate that in the Jewish world today Hol Ha'moed has become a time for just that – frivolous entertainment and recreation. Rather than observing Hol Ha'mo'ed as a time for eating special meals and engaging in Torah, many Jews instead go on recreational trips and to all kinds of events. We must remember that Hol Ha'mo'ed is a "Mo'ed Katan," a quasi-Yom Tov, and should therefore be observed with special meals, special clothing, and Torah study. Summary: Hol Ha'mo'ed must be observed as a special occasion, similar to Yom Tov, with special meals, Shabbat clothes, and Torah study. It is improper to spend Hol Ha'mo'ed only for going on recreational trips and the like.

New Years 2024 Rosh Hashanah & a Christian New Years By Louie Marsh, 12-29-2024     Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה‎, lit. 'head of the year') is the New Year in Judaism. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah (יוֹם תְּרוּעָה‎, lit. 'day of shouting/blasting'). It is the first of the High Holy Days (יָמִים נוֹרָאִים‎, Yāmīm Nōrāʾīm, 'Days of Awe"), as specified by Leviticus 23:23–25, that occur in the late summer/early autumn of the Northern Hemisphere. Rosh Hashanah begins ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur, as well as beginning the cycle of autumnal religious festivals running through Sukkot which end on Shemini Atzeret in Israel and Simchat Torah everywhere else.   “24“Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25You shall not do any ordinary work, and you shall present a food offering to the Lord.”” (Leviticus 23:24–25, ESV)   Rosh Hashanah is a two-day observance and celebration that begins on the first day of Tishrei, which is the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year. In contrast to the ecclesiastical lunar new year on the first day of the first month Nisan, the spring Passover month which marks Israel's exodus from Egypt, Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the civil year, according to the teachings of Judaism, and is the traditional anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve.   Rosh Hashanah customs include sounding the shofar (a hollowed-out ram's horn), as prescribed in the Torah, following the prescription of the Hebrew Bible to "raise a noise" on Yom Teruah. Eating symbolic foods that represent various wishes for the new year is an ancient custom recorded in the Talmud. Other rabbinical customs include the "tashlich", attending synagogue services and reciting special liturgy about teshuva, as well as enjoying festive meals.   Tashlikh or Tashlich (Hebrew: תשליך "cast off") is a customary Jewish atonement ritual performed during the High Holy Days on Rosh Hashanah. In some Judaeo-Spanish-speaking communities the practice is referred to as sakudirse las faldas ('to shake the flaps [of clothing]') or simply as faldas]   Practice The ritual is performed at a large, natural body of flowing water (e.g., river, lake, sea, or ocean) on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, although it may be performed until Hoshana Rabbah. If the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, most Ashkenazim recite Tashlich on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, whereas most Sephardim recite it on the first day as normal. The penitent recites a Biblical passage and, optionally, additional prayers. During the Tashlikh prayer, the worshipers symbolically throw their sins into a source of water. Some people throw small pieces of bread into the water, though many rabbis consider throwing bread into the water on Rosh Hashanah to be forbidden by halakha   The name "Tashlikh" and the practice itself are derived from an allusion mentioned in the Biblical passage (Micah 7:18–20) recited at the ceremony: "You will cast (tashlikh) all their sins into the depths of the sea."   “18Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. 19He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. 20You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.” (Micah 7:18–20, ESV)   Because the New Year ushers in a 10-day period of self-examination and penitence, Rosh Hashana is also called the annual Day of Judgment; during this period Jews review their individual relationships with God, the Supreme Judge.   “1“On the first day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work. It is a day for you to blow the trumpets, 2and you shall offer a burnt offering, for a pleasing aroma to the Lord: one bull from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish;” (Numbers 29:1–2, ESV)   “1When the seventh month came, and the children of Israel were in the towns, the people gathered as one man to Jerusalem. 2Then arose Jeshua the son of Jozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel with his kinsmen, and they built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. 3They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, burnt offerings morning and evening. 4And they kept the Feast of Booths, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number according to the rule, as each day required,” (Ezra 3:1–4, ESV)   A More Biblical Approach to New Years   “12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12–14, ESV)   1) Be HUMBLE   ·       Especially about my SPIRITUAL LIFE.   2) Be DILIGENT   ·       Especially in dealing with my PAST   3) Be ALL IN on my future.   ·       Especially in being more like JESUS.   ·       APPLY this to all areas of my life.   4) Be WISE in how I approach all this.   ·       Do things SEQUENTIALLY.

The pasuk says in this week's parasha, Lech Lecha , ויוצא אותו החוצה . Avraham Avinu, who knew how to read the stars, told Hashem that he saw he was not going to have children. Hashem told him to go outside of his astrology, because אין מזל לישראל . It doesn't matter what the stars say, because we are above the stars, and things can always change. These words have given so much hope to people who have been told throughout the generations that in the natural way of the world they would be unable to have children, or unable to accomplish something they hoped to accomplish. Our tefillot and our emunah can transcend nature. Sometimes people get their hopes up and pray hard, but then they get let down, and they want to give up. The emunah that a person portrays after a letdown is such a great zechut. It could be that the entire letdown was created just for the person to have emunah at that time, because that emunah can be the catalyst for his ultimate yeshua. We never know which tefila or which avoda will change a mazal. Every one of them is valuable, and we should never underestimate any of them. A young man who learns in kollel told me he had been married for two years without children and things were not looking good for them. Last year before Sukkot, they felt uneasy about spending time with their families, with all of their other siblings already having children, and perhaps pitying them for not having. They had wanted to go for a long time to Eretz Yisrael, to pray by the kotel, and pray by kivrei tzaddikim and get berachot from gedolim. They decided this would be the perfect time to go. It was expensive, and they didn't have that much money, but they knew they needed a lot of רחמי שמים , and heartfelt tefilot in מקומות הקדושים was a great way of getting it. The first couple of days there, they went to the Kotel, kever Rachel, Ma'arat Hamachpela, and prayed for a long time at each place. They went to a couple of more places during chol ha-moed, and they had their main full schedule planned for after the holiday. But then came Shemini Atzeret, October 7th, and the tragic news began to spread. Their prayers changed from focusing on themselves to focusing on Klal Yisrael. Their plans were canceled. They spent the rest of the time there, indoors, including a few bomb shelters. Of course, their hearts were with all of those people who were suffering so much, but they couldn't help but also feel that their chance of having children was also getting ruined. This was their one chance in Eretz Yisrael to get the yeshua they had been desperately seeking. They decided to strengthen their emunah and accept that now Hashem wanted them to pray for others rather than themselves. They fully accepted the situation Hashem put them in and were happy with it. The very next night, at the house of the people they were staying by, their child who has Down syndrome turned to this couple and said, "You're going to have a baby." They were awestruck. Baruch Hashem, just two weeks later, they discovered that they were indeed expecting a child. There were many scares during the pregnancy, but Baruch Hashem, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Things don't always happen the way we want or plan or hope, but our job is to always embrace the will of Hashem and do the job that He wants us to do. We never know what Avodah will bring our yeshua, but we do know that no matter what, we can always be helped, and we need to hope and pray with that attitude. Shabbat Shalom.

With the world in turmoil—the Middle East at war, a deeply polarized and divisive U.S. presidential election ahead, and countless other uncertainties—you may find yourself wondering: where are we headed? How will this end? We're emerging from the Jewish holiday season, marked by the High Holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the joyous Sukkot festival, and culminating with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. This season traditionally calls for renewal, repentance, and joy, but this year carries an especially somber weight as we remember the tragic events of October 7, the massacre in southern Israel. Perhaps it's no coincidence that Israel's recent retaliatory campaign against Iran was named “Days of Repentance.” It suggests a profound message: that these High Holidays are more than a seasonal observance—they set the groundwork for a year dedicated to repentance, correction, and transformation. This year could be our opportunity to face these immense challenges and turn them into a new pioneering frontier, a new beginning, a new world. Join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in this timely conversation following the holiday season. Discover how we can harness the timeless messages, tools, and inspiration of these holy days to navigate this new year with purpose and resilience -- as we forge, build, and create a global spiritual revolution.

RAB SALLY ZAED- LA IMPORTANCIA DE SHEMINI ATZERET - SIMJA TORA Y SHABAT BERESHIT by TALMUD TORA MONTE SINAI

Sermon from Shemini atzeret

The Feast of Sukkot  Part 9:  The Feast of Ingathering, The Harvest, Rain, and Shemini Atzeret  -  English and Spanish.  What is the significance of the eighth day of this feast? Join us as we examine the writings of the prophets to find an answer!  Recorded October 24, 2024.    La Fiesta de Sucot Parte 9: La Fiesta de la Cosecha, La Lluvia y Shemini Atzeret - Inglés y Español.  ¿Cuál es el significado del octavo día de esta fiesta? Acompáñenos a examinar los escritos de los profetas para encontrar la respuesta.  Grabado el 24 de octubre de 2024. 

This is our last episode in the miniseries on The High Holidays for the Goyim. On October 24 and 25th, Jews will mark Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret. Simchat Torah is a celebration for the finish of an entire year of Torah study. While Simchat Torah is not technically part of Sukkot, it comes immediately after Sukkot as part of the fall holiday season. In Israel, Simchat Torah is observed on the same day as Shemini Atzeret, while in the diaspora, it is celebrated on the following day.Shemini Atzeret means eighth day of assembly. It comes from the command in Leviticus 23:36. God said, “Seven days you shall present the Lord's offerings by fire; on the eighth day you shall observe a holy convocation and present the Lord's offerings by fire; it is a solemn assembly; you shall not work at your occupations” (Lev. 23:36). While closely associated with Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret is considered a separate holiday with its own significance. It's often interpreted as a day when God asks the Jewish people to stay for one more day of closeness and celebration after the week-long festival of Sukkot. That interpretation makes sense to me. Often when I am on vacation, I want to extend the trip just one more day. One more day of rest and one more day of family time. God desired the same from his people. Support the show

Dwelling with God in the New Jerusalem on the Day of the LORD demands unshakable faith, not just temporary obedience. This study explores one of the lessons from the biblical festival of Shemini Atzeret, the Convocation of the Eighth Day after the start of Sukkot, the feast of Tabernacles. The Messiah's supreme authority (Hebrews 3-4) grants forgiveness to the repentant, while the unbelieving remain excluded (Revelation 21). Eternal life in God's presence requires a lifetime of trusting His unseen purposes, not just outward compliance. The choice is ours — to believe and enter His rest, or harden our hearts like those of our spiritual ancestors in Israel who refused to enter God's "rest, the Promised Land (Psalm 95; Hebrews 3-4).

Podcast Jajam Shlomo (Sally) Zaed La santidad de estos 3 días. Shemini Atzeret, Simjat Torá y Shabat Bereshit Conferencia

This meditation for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah invites you to embrace the joy of time, nature, and the mind's endless potential. As the Torah cycle comes to a close and begins anew, reflect on the beauty of this moment—a pause in time to appreciate the divine rhythms of life. Breathe deeply, feeling the earth beneath you and the changing seasons around you. Nature's cycle mirrors our own, reminding us of renewal and continuity. Let your mind dance with gratitude for the wisdom received, and for the capacity to grow, learn, and celebrate. In this sacred space, you are in harmony with the universe—joyful in your connection to time, creation, and the unfolding journey of your soul. Let your heart overflow with the simcha (joy) of this moment.

Nachum Segal presents great Jewish music, the latest news from Israel Harry Rothenberg's parsha vlog and Rabbi Benjamin Yudin to discuss Hoshana Rabbah, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

RAB AMRAM CHOCRON- PREPARATIVOS PARA SHEMINI ATZERET by FOOD 4 OUR SOUL

Join as we discuss some of the reasons we read V'Zot Ha'Beracha on Shemini Atzeret. (They may not be what you think.) Send 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

A look back at the period of Chagim and the significance of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.

In this special broadcast I go into the Feast of Tabernacles.Now I realize that the conditions set forth by Yahweh differs from what He set forth in the beginning. What caught my interest into these 7 Holy Feasts was the Prophetic Message contained within them.We find that within these 7, 4 are in the season of the spring, while the remaining 3 are in the fall or “harvest. In studying the Prophecy aspect of Yahweh's Words, we realize and conclude that these 7 Holy Feasts play an important role in the Prophecy of Yahshua Messiah concerning the past and the present. Let's take a brief view of the first 4 Feasts:The Feast of Passover pointed to Yahshua's death on Calvary as “the Lamb of Yahweh, who taketh away the sin of the world”, John 1:29The Feast of Unleavened Bread attested to the fact that Yahshua's body, unlike all others would not decay in the grave. The Son of Yahweh, in speaking with His Heavenly Father said, “for Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou permit Thine Holy One to see corruption” Psalms 16:10The Feast of Firstfruits proclaimed the certainty of His bodily resurrection. The acceptance by Yahweh of the Firstfruits [sheaf] of the spring barley harvest guaranteed a full harvest to follow. By virtue of the resurrection of Yahshua Messiah, He is the Firstfruits and guarantees that all the Saints within Him will one day rise from the grave.The Feast of Pentecost, which occurs exactly 50 days after Firstfruits [the resurrection of the Messiah] anticipated the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the origin of the “Ek-kelsia”. We read in the Jewish Talmud, in the tractate of Sotah, foli #48 it reads in part “when Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi died, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel; nevertheless they made use of the Bath Kol.” [a divine voice from Heaven]These 4 events in the life of Yahshua Messiah, which the 4 spring feasts depicted, are history. We can look back at these events and they can be examined as historical facts. We can say that the first 4 set the foundation for the remaining 3. [As I think on this foundation, I think of the Tabernacle, which is to come, and when this Tabernacle comes, then all of His Elect come to dwell in the eternal]The fall Feasts have not yet occurred! They are yet future and predict with absolute certainty, events that will most assuredly unfold. As the 4 spring Feasts were fulfilled literally and right on schedule in connection with the Messiah's first coming, the 3 Fall Feasts will likewise be fulfilled literally and right on schedule in connection with His second coming.Beginning at Sunset on Wednesday October 16, 2024 starts the Feast of Tabernacles which ends at nightfall on Wednesday October 23, 2024. Then on the evening of October 23, 2024, begins the 8th Day, which is called Shemini Atzeret. (Numbers 29:35), simply as ‘the 8th day of assembly'. [the sages interpreted this to mean Yahweh asks all who made pilgrimage for Sukkoth to tarry (atzeret, which come from the Hebrew root word meaning ‘to hold back' with Him one additional day.The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) points to the final phase of Yahweh's plan of redemption for mankind—the Second Coming of Yahshua Messiah and the Millennium.Something very special happened on this Feast of Tabernacle. Some miracle from Yahweh was about to change the views of the future world!Is it possible that Yahshua Messiah was BORN on the Feast of Tabernacles?Join with me as we “Unravel the Words of Yahweh” on keeping The Feast of Tabernacles!Have any questions? Feel free to email me keitner2024@outlook.com 

Send us a textThe 5-Step Program of Spiritual Courtship, Engagement, Marriage, Honeymoon, and Real Life: Discovering the Divine Romance in Our LivesIn this sermon, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the deep and mystical relationship between G-d and the Jewish people, likened to a sacred marriage. Drawing from Kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings, Rabbi Bernath delves into the spiritual phases of this divine union, paralleling it with the milestones of human relationships: courtship, engagement, marriage, honeymoon, and the day-to-day reality of married life. Through the lens of the High Holiday season, this episode offers a journey of rejuvenating our connection with G-d, culminating in the ultimate intimacy that shapes our everyday existence.Takeaways:Courtship with G-d: The month of Elul as a time of divine dating, where G-d meets us in our natural state, inviting us to connect authentically.Engagement Proposal: Rosh Hashanah as the moment of commitment, where G-d proposes a deeper relationship, and we respond with the cry of the Shofar.Marriage Ceremony: Yom Kippur as the day of divine union, where we fast, atone, and solidify our eternal bond with G-d.Celebration and Intimacy: The festivals of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah as the celebration and intimate consummation of our relationship with the Divine.Real-Life Relationship: The month of Cheshvan as the time to nurture our ongoing relationship with G-d in the everyday moments, discovering the sacred in the ordinary.#Spiritual #Judaism #Jewish #HIghHolidays #RoshHashana #RoshHashanah #Yom kIppur #Kabbalah #Torah #chabad #mysticism #sukkot #simchatorahSupport the Show.Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

Send us a textThe 5-Step Program of Spiritual Courtship, Engagement, Marriage, Honeymoon, and Real Life: Discovering the Divine Romance in Our LivesIn this sermon, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores the deep and mystical relationship between G-d and the Jewish people, likened to a sacred marriage. Drawing from Kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings, Rabbi Bernath delves into the spiritual phases of this divine union, paralleling it with the milestones of human relationships: courtship, engagement, marriage, honeymoon, and the day-to-day reality of married life. Through the lens of the High Holiday season, this episode offers a journey of rejuvenating our connection with G-d, culminating in the ultimate intimacy that shapes our everyday existence.Takeaways:Courtship with G-d: The month of Elul as a time of divine dating, where G-d meets us in our natural state, inviting us to connect authentically.Engagement Proposal: Rosh Hashanah as the moment of commitment, where G-d proposes a deeper relationship, and we respond with the cry of the Shofar.Marriage Ceremony: Yom Kippur as the day of divine union, where we fast, atone, and solidify our eternal bond with G-d.Celebration and Intimacy: The festivals of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah as the celebration and intimate consummation of our relationship with the Divine.Real-Life Relationship: The month of Cheshvan as the time to nurture our ongoing relationship with G-d in the everyday moments, discovering the sacred in the ordinary.#Spiritual #Judaism #Jewish #HIghHolidays #RoshHashana #RoshHashanah #Yom kIppur #Kabbalah #Torah #chabad #mysticism #sukkot #simchatorahSupport the Show.Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

It says in the Pirkeh d'Rabi Eliezer , perek 29, Bilaam said out of the seventy leshonot (languages) that Hashem created, he only put His Name in one of them: Yisrael. With one exception: Yishmael. And since, in this regard, Yisrael and Yishmael are equal, אוי מי יחיה משמו אל – Woe are to the ones who have to live with the people whom Hashem put His Name in. Why did Hashem put His Name in Yishmael? Says the Pirkeh d'Rabi Eliezer , because Hashem is going to hear the cries of His own Nation as a result of what the offspring of Yishmael will do to them in the Land in the End of Days. The Rambam wrote in his Igeret Teman , there is no nation that wants to harm and do evil to us as much as Yishmael. They are a nation who are filled with sheker and are able to make the world think they are innocent victims. The Maharal asked, we know there are four main exiles: Edom, Paras, Madai and Yavan. If in the End of Days we have to experience the galut Yishmael, why isn't he on the list of galuyot ? The Maharal answered that the four kingdoms listed all have in common that they derive their powers specifically by subjugating the Jewish People. Yishmael, on the other hand, was given his own power because he is an offspring of Avraham. It's brought down, when the Mashiach comes, there is going to be a grand seuda with the greatest people of all time in attendance. And when it comes time for the Birkat HaMazon , they are going to ask Avraham Avinu to lead the zimun , but he is going to decline, saying he can't do it because he had Yishmael. All of the Avot, as well as Moshe Rabbenu and others are going to pass the cup up, until it gets to David HaMelech and he is going to make the zimun, as it says, כוס ישועות אשא ובשם ה' אקרא . I once heard a question, didn't David have a wicked son also, Avshalom? Why would he take the cup if Avraham didn't? One answer may be, the reason Avraham is going to pass up the cup is not because his son was a rasha . In fact, Yishmael did teshuva at the end of his life. Rather, it's because he will witness the destruction that Yishmael brought upon his beloved children, destruction that we have witnessed with our own eyes. All of the other nations want to harm us because they are jealous that we are the chosen people, while Yishmael feels he was chosen as well and is motivated out of pure evil. Rabbi Menashe Reisman elaborated, there was never another people who screamed “G-d is great!” while doing their acts of destruction. They think they are fighting in the name of G-d. And while they are saying “G-d is great” in their acts of terror, we are screaming out, “ Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokenu Hashem Echad ”. We know that our power is greater, if we utilize it properly. A man told he had two daughters in harm's way when Yishmael was attacking on Shemini Atzeret. They called up their father that day in a panic. He told them to hide and he kept repeating the words Shema Yisrael for them to say, as they didn't know it. He was repeating every word and they hid for six hours, saying Shema Yisrael , Shema Yisrael , And the terrorists passed by them numerous times without detecting them. The only thing Yishmael is here for in the End of Days is to get us to cry out to Hashem. That is the essence of their name. Let us utilize our greatest weapon of tefila to bring the Mashiach now. Everyone needs to pray heartfelt tefilot . A person can pray for whatever they want. They just need to call out to Hashem with sincerity. All He wants is to hear our voices. He wants us to understand this is His world and He is in charge. The more we follow the mitzvot , the more powerful our prayers will become. Let us call out to Hashem with sincerity and real emotion at every tefila and b'ezrat Hahsem we will celebrate the geula bekarov . Amen.

The pasuk says in Shir HaShirim , הגידה לי שאהבה נפשי איכה תרעה – Rashi explains, this is ruach hakodesh comparing the Jewish people to sheep who are beloved to their shepherd. We turn to HaKadosh Baruch Hu , our Shepherd, like a woman who turns to her loving husband. And we say הגידה לי שאהבה נפשי – tell me, the One who I love so much, how can Your sheep graze when they are amongst wolves who want to devour them. The pasuk continues: איכה תרביץ בצהריים - The midrash says this is referring to the חבלי משיח -the pangs of Mashiach , which are compared to the afternoon sun. The afternoon sun is very dangerous to the sheep who may become dehydrated from it. So the sheep cry out in distress to the shepherd to get rid of the sun from the world, but they don't know how much benefit the sun gives the world and how much benefit they get from the sun. The pangs of Mashiach are very difficult to deal with, but we must know, as always, even the difficulties are there for our benefit. How is it possible that anything good could possibly come out of holy Jewish people being brutally murdered in such a horrific way? We have no understanding of the ways of Hashem and we don't know 99.99% of His calculations, but a great rabbi once gave a little insight on another occasion when Jewish people were brutally murdered just because they were Jewish. The Rabbi said, besides for the fact that those people were considered kedoshim and chassidim for dying al kiddush Hashem, they also were being credited with all the millions of good deeds and improvements that the entire Jewish people had achieved as a direct result of their horrific deaths. Rabbi Menashe Reisman told a story of one of the people who were murdered on Shemini Atzeret. It was a man who was once part of Yeshivat Tifrach. He had since veered from the path and was at that festival on Shabbat morning. The Rosh Yeshiva came to be menachem avel after the burial, being that he used to be the Rosh Yeshiva of the niftar . When he started speaking, the boy's father said to him, “You don't need to give me any chizuk . My son came to me in a dream after he was buried. His face was glowing. He told me he was learning privately with HaKadosh Baruch Hu בכבודו ובעצמו .” We cannot imagine how high his neshama reached, to the greatest heights, from what took place. But it is hard for us to feel any consolation while we are still mourning and the danger is still lurking. The midrash already told that in the days preceding Mashiach , Hashem is going to call upon the Nevi'im to come and console us, but we will not be consoled. The Nevi'im will go back to Hashem to tell Him, עניה סוערה לא נוחמה – that His people cannot be consoled. And then, Hashem will come Himself to comfort us, like it says אנכי אנכי מנחמכם . He will then restore life to those who have passed on and they will once again be reunited with their families. ולא ישמע עוד חמס בארצך – we will no longer have Hamas in our midst. שוד ושבר בגבולך – or calamity and destruction in our borders. The Navi describes the Mashiach by saying, ברוח שפתיו ימית רשע – by the breath of his mouth will he kill our enemies. כי הנה ה' באש יבוא - Hashem will come with fire to eliminate all of those who tormented His People. שישו את ירושלים גילו בה כל אוהביה – those days are going to be the happiest days since the time of the world's creation. ועמך כולם צדיקים – everyone will be righteous. כי עין בעין יראו בשוב ה' את ציון – we will see Hashem returning to Tzion with our own eyes. These are the glorious days ahead. Now, we are still in the thick of the darkness, but the light will shine once more. And then, לא יהיה לך שמש לאור יומם והיה ה' לך לאור עולם – we will no longer need the sun for daylight because Hashem Himself will be our light. For now, we must hold strong, we must maintain our steadfast emunah in Hashem and we must improve to become the best ovdei Hashem we can be. And then, b'ezrat Hashem, we'll be zocheh to dance with the Mashiach bekarov . Amen. Shabbat Shalom

On October 7th 2023, during the joy filled holy day of Shemini Atzeret, which occurred this year on the weekly Shabbat, a truly evil and demonized terror group invaded Israel and committed crimes that rival the unspeakable Holocaust perpetrated by Hitler and his demonized followers. This attack is not only directed at Israel and ultimately Jerusalem, but every follower of Jesus. We must unite, pray, and support each other! Jews and Christians everywhere must unite, pray, and support one another! We are in this together and the God of Israel will deliver us and destroy these evil workers of violence and bloodshed! Join us as we explore what this horror is all about and how we can help stamp it out.

Trees and Consequences: עץ החיים ועץ הדעת, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The description of "the tree that is in the midst of the garden" is mysterious - to which tree does it refer? The text seems to conflate the two singular trees - the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge. What are we to make of this confusion? Indeed - what is each of these trees about? Why is Hashem "suddenly" concerned about Adam eating from the Tree of Life only after he eats from the Tree of Knowledge? And what does any of this have to do with the timing of the birth of Kayin and Hevel? Rashi and R. Yosef Bekhor Shor disagree about whether they were born before the episode in the garden and subsequent expulsion - or before. We explore how all of these issues interrelate and propose a new understanding of the nature of the Trees - and how their purposes and characteristics intersect. This shiur was given in memory of the brutalized victims of the terrorist pogrom perpetuated against he citizens of the south on Shemini Atzeret. ה' יקום דמם. Source sheet >>

Some thoughts and reflections from Rabbi Dunner regarding the horrific terrorist invasion of Southern Israel by Hamas murderers on Shemini Atzeret. How is it that there are people who remain sympathetic to Hamas?

We have begun October and tonite is the 10 th day of the 10th month on the Gregorian calender. Ten is the number of wholeness and this is a wholeness month. God is working on keeping our minds on Him to build strength and wholeness for our double portion time! We are in the Hebrew month of Tishrei at the start of the year after the Feast of Tabernacles and we passed through 2 holidays in one day - Shemini Azteret / Simchat TorahShemini Atzeret began at sundown on October 6th and ends soon after sundown on October 8th. Shemini Atzeret is another yom tov, where God says He wants one more day with His people. There was to be a rest that day. It was alsoSimchat Torahwhich is a day where there is remembrance for one Torah cycle ending and another beginning. During those days the nation of Israel declared war. On a day of rest , the enemy waged war. Let us recover what was lost and put our minds in a place of peace again as we pray and seek the Lord and keep our minds in perfect peace. The enemy seeks to keep our minds on earthly things- let us stand firm in the faith and watch him flee! Gird your mind with truth! Yeshua made a way for us to have His peace !Romans 8:6 (NASB) For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, Psalm 122:6-9. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you. "May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces." For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, "May peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.John 14:27(NASB)Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”Philippians 4:5-7 (NASB) Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

En este audio More Iosef nos habla de la relacion que tiene Shemini Atzeret con La Nueva Creacion descrita en el Libro de Revelaciones.

Have you made changes in your life amidst the High Holy Days? Are you going through a drought spiritually? Join Rabbi Kevin Solomon of Congregation Beth Hallel as he prepares us for the conclusion of this fruitful season with an encouragement to remember these days as time goes by and trials may come up in life, so you can endure them. Pray for G-d's rain to fall on the tribulations you face. With the L-rd, you can persevere!Leviticus 23.36-39; Matthew 24.10-13; 1 Peter 5.7-10; Mark 5.35-36; John 7.37-38; Luke 18.1-8Prayer Requests or send an email to info@bethhallel.orgCBH WebsiteDonateYouTube Channel

Shemini Atzeret And Simchas Torah 5784

On Rashi, the mesora, and grammar. Follow along in Devarim 33:23, 1:21, Daniel 9:19, Devarim 33:18-19. Provide your feedback or join the WhatsApp group by sending an email to torahreadingpodcast@gmail.com.  

A look back at the period of Chagim and the significance of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.

What causes Moshe to cry at the end of the Torah?

Source Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PZ8c-s7fh7ykklXdwf1ngc02DAniEGq6/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104720012433624398617&rtpof=true&sd=true

In this special broadcast I go into the Feast of Tabernacles.Now I realize that the conditions set forth by Yahweh differs from what He set forth in the beginning. What caught my interest into these 7 Holy Feasts was the Prophetic Message contained within them.We find that within these 7, 4 are in the season of the spring, while the remaining 3 are in the fall or “harvest. In studying the Prophecy aspect of Yahweh's Words, we realize and conclude that these 7 Holy Feasts play an important role in the Prophecy of Yahshua Messiah concerning the past and the present. Let's take a brief view of the first 4 Feasts:The Feast of Passover pointed to Yahshua's death on Calvary as “the Lamb of Yahweh, who taketh away the sin of the world”, John 1:29The Feast of Unleavened Bread attested to the fact that Yahshua's body, unlike all others would not decay in the grave. The Son of Yahweh, in speaking with His Heavenly Father said, “for Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, neither wilt Thou permit Thine Holy One to see corruption” Psalms 16:10The Feast of Firstfruits proclaimed the certainty of His bodily resurrection. The acceptance by Yahweh of the Firstfruits [sheaf] of the spring barley harvest guaranteed a full harvest to follow. By virtue of the resurrection of Yahshua Messiah, He is the Firstfruits and guarantees that all the Saints within Him will one day rise from the grave.The Feast of Pentecost, which occurs exactly 50 days after Firstfruits [the resurrection of the Messiah] anticipated the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the origin of the “Ek-kelsia”. We read in the Jewish Talmud, in the tractate of Sotah, foli #48 it reads in part “when Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi died, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel; nevertheless they made use of the Bath Kol.” [a divine voice from Heaven]These 4 events in the life of Yahshua Messiah, which the 4 spring feasts depicted, are history. We can look back at these events and they can be examined as historical facts. We can say that the first 4 set the foundation for the remaining 3. [As I think on this foundation, I think of the Tabernacle, which is to come, and when this Tabernacle comes, then all of His Elect come to dwell in the eternal]The fall Feasts have not yet occurred! They are yet future and predict with absolute certainty, events that will most assuredly unfold. As the 4 spring Feasts were fulfilled literally and right on schedule in connection with the Messiah's first coming, the 3 Fall Feasts will likewise be fulfilled literally and right on schedule in connection with His second coming.Beginning at Sunset on Friday, September 29, 2023 starts the Feast of Tabernacles which ends at nightfall on Friday October 6 2023. Then on the evening of October 6, 2023, begins the 8th Day, which is called Shemini Atzeret. (Numbers 29:35), simply as ‘the 8th day of assembly'. [the sages interpreted this to mean Yahweh asks all who made pilgrimage for Sukkoth to tarry (atzeret, which come from the Hebrew root word meaning ‘to hold back' with Him one additional day.The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) points to the final phase of Yahweh's plan of redemption for mankind—the Second Coming of Yahshua Messiah and the Millennium.Something very special happened on this Feast of Tabernacle. Some miracle from Yahweh was about to change the views of the future world!Join with me as we “Unravel the Words of Yahweh” on keeping The Feast of Tabernacles!Have any questions? Feel free to email me at keitner@netzero.net

The prophets Zechariah and Haggai worked together at the time of the building of the Second Temple. This teaching begins with Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret in the Temple, unlocks the meaning of the mysterious visions Zechariah, reveals the name of the Messiah, discusses the war of Gog and Magog, and reaches toward the kingdom. 

Rabeinu teaches that the essential thing is Faith! A person needs to search for faith within himself and to reinforce himself with faith!Now there are astounding afflictions and sicknesses that a person suffers with only because a fall in faith. Not even ancestral merit, prayer, or medicine is effective in healing this person. Not even a sigh or groan! The only thing a person can do to heal himself from these afflictions is to repair faith. How? To dig and to find the water from which faith grows… and what is that water? The counsels and advice in one's heart. To reveal and draw out those waters requires a man of understanding- a man who has a Neshama which is completely refined!Rabeinu also discusses how fallen faith leads to a rise in superstitions and false faiths, idol worship etc… and how elevating fallen faith creates converts…Rabeinu also discusses the connection between pride and sexual immorality. We learn about the guardians of the generation, upright words/speech, holy dreams mediated by an angel, how food plays a role in dreams, the joy of the tefillin, subduing the demons, how to strengthen the holy angel, false rabbis and judges, crooked judgement, assembling the chariot, the different blows of the Shofar, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, thé connection between a true Rebbe and his students, rectifying the mind, throwing away one's wisdoms, serving G-d with the ultimate simplicity, how to attain the understanding that even Moshe Rabeinu couldn't attain, the lungs, the mysteries of the Torah, etc…Rabeinu connects all these subjects we mentioned above in the most awesome fashion! Bless G-d that we merited to study such a lesson!

Rabeinu teaches that the essential thing is Faith! A person needs to search for faith within himself and to reinforce himself with faith!Now there are astounding afflictions and sicknesses that a person suffers with only because a fall in faith. Not even ancestral merit, prayer, or medicine is effective in healing this person. Not even a sigh or groan! The only thing a person can do to heal himself from these afflictions is to repair faith. How? To dig and to find the water from which faith grows… and what is that water? The counsels and advice in one's heart. To reveal and draw out those waters requires a man of understanding- a man who has a Neshama which is completely refined!Rabeinu also discusses how fallen faith leads to a rise in superstitions and false faiths, idol worship etc… and how elevating fallen faith creates converts…Rabeinu also discusses the connection between pride and sexual immorality. We learn about the guardians of the generation, upright words/speech, holy dreams mediated by an angel, how food plays a role in dreams, the joy of the tefillin, subduing the demons, how to strengthen the holy angel, false rabbis and judges, crooked judgement, assembling the chariot, the different blows of the Shofar, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, thé connection between a true Rebbe and his students, rectifying the mind, throwing away one's wisdoms, serving G-d with the ultimate simplicity, how to attain the understanding that even Moshe Rabeinu couldn't attain, the lungs, the mysteries of the Torah, etc…Rabeinu connects all these subjects we mentioned above in the most awesome fashion! Bless G-d that we merited to study such a lesson!

Rabeinu teaches that the essential thing is Faith! A person needs to search for faith within himself and to reinforce himself with faith!Now there are astounding afflictions and sicknesses that a person suffers with only because a fall in faith. Not even ancestral merit, prayer, or medicine is effective in healing this person. Not even a sigh or groan! The only thing a person can do to heal himself from these afflictions is to repair faith. How? To dig and to find the water from which faith grows… and what is that water? The counsels and advice in one's heart. To reveal and draw out those waters requires a man of understanding- a man who has a Neshama which is completely refined!Rabeinu also discusses how fallen faith leads to a rise in superstitions and false faiths, idol worship etc… and how elevating fallen faith creates converts…Rabeinu also discusses the connection between pride and sexual immorality. We learn about the guardians of the generation, upright words/speech, holy dreams mediated by an angel, how food plays a role in dreams, the joy of the tefillin, subduing the demons, how to strengthen the holy angel, false rabbis and judges, crooked judgement, assembling the chariot, the different blows of the Shofar, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, thé connection between a true Rebbe and his students, rectifying the mind, throwing away one's wisdoms, serving G-d with the ultimate simplicity, how to attain the understanding that even Moshe Rabeinu couldn't attain, the lungs, the mysteries of the Torah, etc…Rabeinu connects all these subjects we mentioned above in the most awesome fashion! Bless G-d that we merited to study such a lesson!

Rabeinu teaches that the essential thing is Faith! A person needs to search for faith within himself and to reinforce himself with faith!Now there are astounding afflictions and sicknesses that a person suffers with only because a fall in faith. Not even ancestral merit, prayer, or medicine is effective in healing this person. Not even a sigh or groan! The only thing a person can do to heal himself from these afflictions is to repair faith. How? To dig and to find the water from which faith grows… and what is that water? The counsels and advice in one's heart. To reveal and draw out those waters requires a man of understanding- a man who has a Neshama which is completely refined!Rabeinu also discusses how fallen faith leads to a rise in superstitions and false faiths, idol worship etc… and how elevating fallen faith creates converts…Rabeinu also discusses the connection between pride and sexual immorality. We learn about the guardians of the generation, upright words/speech, holy dreams mediated by an angel, how food plays a role in dreams, the joy of the tefillin, subduing the demons, how to strengthen the holy angel, false rabbis and judges, crooked judgement, assembling the chariot, the different blows of the Shofar, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, thé connection between a true Rebbe and his students, rectifying the mind, throwing away one's wisdoms, serving G-d with the ultimate simplicity, how to attain the understanding that even Moshe Rabeinu couldn't attain, the lungs, the mysteries of the Torah, etc…Rabeinu connects all these subjects we mentioned above in the most awesome fashion! Bless G-d that we merited to study such a lesson!

Rabeinu teaches that the essential thing is Faith! A person needs to search for faith within himself and to reinforce himself with faith!Now there are astounding afflictions and sicknesses that a person suffers with only because a fall in faith. Not even ancestral merit, prayer, or medicine is effective in healing this person. Not even a sigh or groan! The only thing a person can do to heal himself from these afflictions is to repair faith. How? To dig and to find the water from which faith grows… and what is that water? The counsels and advice in one's heart. To reveal and draw out those waters requires a man of understanding- a man who has a Neshama which is completely refined!Rabeinu also discusses how fallen faith leads to a rise in superstitions and false faiths, idol worship etc… and how elevating fallen faith creates converts…Rabeinu also discusses the connection between pride and sexual immorality. We learn about the guardians of the generation, upright words/speech, holy dreams mediated by an angel, how food plays a role in dreams, the joy of the tefillin, subduing the demons, how to strengthen the holy angel, false rabbis and judges, crooked judgement, assembling the chariot, the different blows of the Shofar, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, thé connection between a true Rebbe and his students, rectifying the mind, throwing away one's wisdoms, serving G-d with the ultimate simplicity, how to attain the understanding that even Moshe Rabeinu couldn't attain, the lungs, the mysteries of the Torah, etc…Rabeinu connects all these subjects we mentioned above in the most awesome fashion! Bless G-d that we merited to study such a lesson!

Rabeinu teaches that the essential thing is Faith! A person needs to search for faith within himself and to reinforce himself with faith!Now there are astounding afflictions and sicknesses that a person suffers with only because a fall in faith. Not even ancestral merit, prayer, or medicine is effective in healing this person. Not even a sigh or groan! The only thing a person can do to heal himself from these afflictions is to repair faith. How? To dig and to find the water from which faith grows… and what is that water? The counsels and advice in one's heart. To reveal and draw out those waters requires a man of understanding- a man who has a Neshama which is completely refined!Rabeinu also discusses how fallen faith leads to a rise in superstitions and false faiths, idol worship etc… and how elevating fallen faith creates converts…Rabeinu also discusses the connection between pride and sexual immorality. We learn about the guardians of the generation, upright words/speech, holy dreams mediated by an angel, how food plays a role in dreams, the joy of the tefillin, subduing the demons, how to strengthen the holy angel, false rabbis and judges, crooked judgement, assembling the chariot, the different blows of the Shofar, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, thé connection between a true Rebbe and his students, rectifying the mind, throwing away one's wisdoms, serving G-d with the ultimate simplicity, how to attain the understanding that even Moshe Rabeinu couldn't attain, the lungs, the mysteries of the Torah, etc…Rabeinu connects all these subjects we mentioned above in the most awesome fashion! Bless G-d that we merited to study such a lesson!

Rabeinu teaches that the essential thing is Faith! A person needs to search for faith within himself and to reinforce himself with faith!Now there are astounding afflictions and sicknesses that a person suffers with only because a fall in faith. Not even ancestral merit, prayer, or medicine is effective in healing this person. Not even a sigh or groan! The only thing a person can do to heal himself from these afflictions is to repair faith. How? To dig and to find the water from which faith grows… and what is that water? The counsels and advice in one's heart. To reveal and draw out those waters requires a man of understanding- a man who has a Neshama which is completely refined!Rabeinu also discusses how fallen faith leads to a rise in superstitions and false faiths, idol worship etc… and how elevating fallen faith creates converts…Rabeinu also discusses the connection between pride and sexual immorality. We learn about the guardians of the generation, upright words/speech, holy dreams mediated by an angel, how food plays a role in dreams, the joy of the tefillin, subduing the demons, how to strengthen the holy angel, false rabbis and judges, crooked judgement, assembling the chariot, the different blows of the Shofar, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, thé connection between a true Rebbe and his students, rectifying the mind, throwing away one's wisdoms, serving G-d with the ultimate simplicity, how to attain the understanding that even Moshe Rabeinu couldn't attain, the lungs, the mysteries of the Torah, etc…Rabeinu connects all these subjects we mentioned above in the most awesome fashion! Bless G-d that we merited to study such a lesson!

This month's guest is Yishaq (also known as Yitshaq or Isaac) Ofori Solomon. Yishaq Ofori Solomon (he/him) is an educator, student, writer, and journalist who is a Black African (Beta Yisraelim and Musta'arabi) Queer Jew. They spend much of their time building communities based on solidarity. Here he shares much that is dear to him as a child of intersecting and rich Black, African, and Jewish Diaspora experiences. Find Yishaq's writing at https://www.heyalma.com/author/isaac-ofori-solomon/ Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/dreamingtheworldtocome Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-PzunkdbVA4yrhBChIXY8od06z8POB4t Show Notes: High Holidays or High Holy Days - Holidays that mark the beginning of the Jewish year, including Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), as well as Sukkot (Harvest Festival), Shemini Atzeret (day after Sukkot), and Simchat Torah (where we roll the Torah back to the beginning). Slow down / The Mother's Response - song by Riv Shapiro, https://soundcloud.com/user-828425998/slow-down-the-mothers-response Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement, many Jews observe by fasting for 25 hours, praying for forgiveness and to be written in “The Book of Life” for the coming year. Sukkot - A joyous harvest festival that lasts for 8 days, when many Jews build a temporary outdoor structure called a Sukkah. Prayers for rain are traditional during this time, and it is also traditional to invited the “ushpizim” or beloved ancestors into the Sukkah to join in the celebration TIshrei - The first month of the Jewish calendar, during which the High Holy Days occur. Cheshvan - The second month of the Jewish calendar. Sigd - "Day of Prostration," Beta Yisrael holiday on the last day of Cheshvan. Ashkenazi - A term referring to diasporic Jews who trace their lineage back to medieval Jewish communities in the west of Germany, or eastern Europe. Nun - The fourteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, pronounced like the English letter “n” Nes נס - Hebrew word meaning “miracle” Beta Yisrael - also known as “House of Israel” or “Community of Israel,” or Ethiopian Jews who lived for many centuries between the modern-day Amhara and Tigray regions of Ethiopia, most of whom immigrated to Israel in the late 20th century. Ashkenormativity - The centering and privileging of Jews of Eastern European descent Maghreb - The western part of North Africa and the Arab world, including Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia Qessim - the Kohenim of Beta Yisrael Nusach - language or tunes of specific lineage of prayer SWANA - a decolonial word for the South West Asian/ North African region in place of “Middle East,” “Near East,” “Arab World,” or “Islamic World” (swanaalliance.com) Karaites - a pre-rabbinic Jewish people largely from Egypt and Iraq B'nei anusim - the children of the Jews forced to convert to Christianity during the insquisition Conversos - (see above) Am Yisrael - People of Israel "Wise Ones," song written by Natanya Apfelbaum. You can find a recording of the original version on the Ancestralization album, track 20: https://jewishancestralhealing.bandcamp.com/album/ancestralization

The Feast of Sukkot and The Eighth Day   Part 10:   Shemini Atzeret, Parshat V'Zot HaBracha   -  Seeing The Land  -  English only.  Moses longed to enter the promised land. God denied that request but let Moses see the land.  Recorded October 17, 2022.

So many holidays, so little time.  As we move through Sukkot, while avoiding skunks, we squeeze in Hoshana Rabbah, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah (and its importance to the Top Secret! movie), not to mention the little-known Hakhel ceremony.  Then so many questions.  Is Kohelet/Ecclesiastes a nihilistic manifesto?  Was Barney just a little too good?  Should we care about Kanye?

Rebbetzin Chanie Fogelman, the co-director of Central Mass Chabad, in Worcester, Massachusetts, gives an in-depth explanation of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah. She also explains the connection between all the fall Jewish holidays, from Rosh Hashahna to Yom Kippur, all the way through to Simchat Torah. We begin the fall holidays with Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, which is the day where we crown G-d as King of the world, and receive a judgement for what our life will hold for us during the upcoming year. Rebbetzin Chanie then explains that between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are the Days of Awe where we have an opportunity to repent for our sins and apologize to those whom we have hurt. On Yom Kippur, our judgements from Rosh Hashana are sealed. Rebbetzin Chanie explains that on Yom Kippur, Moshe received the second set of tablet on which the 10 commandments were written. This second giving of the 10 commandments is a symbol that the connection between a Jew and G-d is unbreakable, no matter what a person has done. (The first set of 10 commandments were brought down by Moshe on the holiday of Shavuot. However, when Moshe saw Jewish worshiping the Golden Calf, he smashed the stone tablets on which the 10 commandments were written, and broke them. Therefore, he needed to get a second set from G-d. It's this second set of 10 commandments, which were not broken, that Moshe gave to the Jewish people on Yom Kippur.) Right after Yom Kippur, we celebrate a holiday called Sukkot. We go out of our secure homes and eat (and sometimes sleep) in a flimsy hut called a Sukkah, which is built outside. The walls of the Sukkah are like the arms of a person, enveloping you in a hug and holding you close. This symbolizes G-d's closeness and love for each and every Jew, no matter where they are in their level of observance. On Sukkot, we shake 4 species. Each specie represents a different type of Jew--all of whom are beloved by G-d. The etrog symbolizes the person who learns Torah and keep the mitzvot (commandments.) The lulav symbolizes the person who learns Torah, but doesn't keep most of the mitzvot. The hadassim symbolize the person who keeps the mitzvot, but who doesn't learn Torah. The aravot symbolize the person who doesn't learn Torah and doesn't keep the mitzvot. All the species are shaken together and represent the fact that all Jews are needed, and we all complete each other. The eighth day of Sukkot is a holiday called Shemini Atzeret. The number 8 is above nature, and symbolizes that G-d's love for us is above anything that any of us do; no matter what, G-d loves us unconditionally. The bond between a Jew and G-d is unbreakable. On Shemini Atzeret, G-d stays close to us for one more day, giving us strength for the entire year! The day after Shemini Atzeret is Simchat Torah. On this day, we finish reading the entire Torah, and we dance around happily with the Torah. The Torah scroll is closed when we are dancing to symbolize that any Jew, whether they are well-versed in Torah or not, is invited to partake in the holiday because they are beloved by G-d. For those of you who speak Hebrew, the following website features the Rebbetzin's dear brother who passed away, sharing the Lubavitcher Rebbe's teachings on Sukkot: https://www.youtube.com/user/ponipoy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/vera-kessler/message