While Hashem’s judgment is profound and concealed from us, our sages (Chazal) have provided us with some insights into the general principles of how Hashem judges people. The period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur presents an ideal opportunity to...
My mother, the Rebbetzin a”h, would often lead Hineni tours to Israel. Instead of doing the typical tourist sightseeing, Hineni tours had a mission. A mission of prayer and spiritual growth. The itinerary was...
I. Asking for Forgiveness In recent years, there has been much discussion about what constitutes a sufficient apology. Sometimes people apologize under pressure and do not really admit to having done anything wrong. Even genuine apologies face careful scrutiny under constantly...
NO BRAINER A freshman in college started his first day of classes. His Jewish teacher was clearly an atheist, and started the day by saying the following: “Students, is there anyone here who can see G-d? If so,...
The story is told of a man who wanted to join the Communist movement in Russia many years ago. He sat down with the official who conducted an interview. The official said him, “I want you to understand...
On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we kneel on the floor during davening at oleinu and while saying v’kohanim. In addition, many times we wish to kneel on the ground to give a child a bath, exercise, or to put...
Eating on Erev Yom Kippur As we approach the Yom Tov of Yom Kippur, we think of the importance of the day, and we are also concerned about how we will make it through the fast. One of the interesting...
Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, shlit”a, the Pozna Rov, is the Morah Dasrah of the Bais Hamedrash Levush Haora-Pozna (the Pozna Shul) in Flatbush and the founder of the Shas Yiden Kollelim...
Though the Mitzvah of blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah is rooted in the Torah’s commandment, it also serves another important purpose. The shofar functions as a compelling wake-up call for Jews during this solemn period. Its piercing sound,...
In memory of Michael Laves z”l, a good friend who always greeted people enthusiastically I. Have a Good Year Many people greet each other on Rosh Hashanah with blessings for a good year, “Shanah tovah.” Rav Ya’akov Ben Asher,...