Rosh Hashanah – A Time For All

Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Monday evening. Rosh Hashanah initiates the 10 Days of Awe that end on Yom Kippur. During this time every person in the world has the opportunity to reestablish his or her relationship with God.

A Timely Lesson from our Farmers

When we think of the word “confession,” we immediately associate with the process of admitting wrong behavior–a verbal admission of wrongdoing. A verbal confession alone is worthless without any accompanying sincerity, resolve, and change.

Chodesh Elul: Reviewing the Check Brings You Closer to God

Tucked away at the end of this week’s Torah reading, are the laws concerning fair weights and measures. Here the Torah contrasts the reward for those having honest weights and measures and God’s displeasure with those who don’t.

A Dangerous Thread Running Through our Speech

In Pirkei Avot, Ethics of Our Fathers, we come across a curious statement. “…and the one who talks excessively brings on sin.” (Avot 1:17). What does this mean?

An Important Lesson from a Woman’s Prayer

In this week’s Torah reading, Parshat Naso, we come across a fascinating mitzvah. It is the only mitzvah in the entire system of 613 mitzvot that directly involves a miracle.

The Completion of Our Exodus From Egypt

Shavuot is unique among all the other Yomim Tovim in our yearly cycle of celebrations. Parshat Emor, Chapter 23 of Sefer Vayikra (Leviticus) describes all of our sacred holy days and gives the dates when they should start. All except the holiday of Shavuot. Why?