It is almost impossible to avoid media discussions about the clothes of the latest star in the British royal family. A segment of a talk show is dedicated to this, newspaper articles, blogs and twitter feeds dwell on the most minute details of the royals’ fashion choices. So, I thought that a few words may be in order regarding Judaism’s attitude to clothing, modesty and beauty. He has told you, O ...
Read MoreRabbi Mordechai Becher shows us two artifacts from his own family which demonstrate how the Jews were always thinking about going to Israel. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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The first words of G-d to Abraham are a commandment for him to go to Israel, Aliyah. Aliyah has been cherished dream of Jews throughout the centuries. In fact the very word aliyah means to “go up” because the Jewish people have always regarded moving to Israel as an ascent, an act of spiritual elevation. At times, this dream was realized, but more often, circumstances prevented it becoming anything more ...
Read MoreRabbi Mordechai Becher tells us that we must try to balance isolating ourselves from the evil in our world - similar to what Noach did - and reaching out to others to help them - similar to what Abraham did. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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This week we will be celebrating the first Rosh Chodesh, New Month, of the new year. The concepts and lessons contained in the Jewish calendar are so central to our belief that it is necessary to teach and emphasize them regularly. One of the ways in which Jewish tradition makes us aware of the cycle of the calendar and brings home its messages is by celebrating every new moon, Rosh ...
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Five days after the solemnity and intensity of Yom Kippur, Sukkot, the festival of joy and happiness, begins. This festival lasts eight days in Israel and nine everywhere else. The Torah describes the festival as follows: On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Festival of Sukkot, a seven-day period for God: On the first day shall be a sacred holyday when you shall not do any laborious work:…On ...
Read MoreRabbi Mordechai Becher looks at the High Holidays, which are filled with mixed emotions: Fear and Joy, Happiness and Awe View this video directly on Vimeo.
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The Torah designates the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishrei) as the Sabbath of Sabbaths. It is a day of atonement from sins, a holy day, that we now call Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. In the seventh month on the tenth of the month you shall afflict yourselves and you shall not do any work, neither the native born Jew nor the convert who dwells among you. For ...
Read MoreRabbi Mordechai Becher looks at repenting - doing "teshuva". View this video directly on Vimeo.
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An Introduction to the Rosh Hashanah Prayers – The Rosh Hashanah prayers are divided into three main sections, each focusing on one of the primary themes of the day. As we progress through the prayers, these meditations help us achieve a mental and spiritual state conducive to real change and self-improvement. One of the central themes of the Rosh Hashanah prayers is the emphasis on recognizing God as the King. ...
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