The fast of the 10th of Tevet occurs this year on Thursday 1st of January. We will discuss the purpose of fast days in general and the meaning of the 10th of Tevet specifically. The purpose of the fast days is to achieve a certain mood or state of mind, not self-torture. Maimonides states: The…
We live in a very pluralistic society in which virtually all views about life, ethics and morality are given equal weight. However, Judaism does not advocate this type of pluralism. There is a popular misconception that “Judaism is not a religion of dogma” and that it makes no demands on belief. However, it is clear…
Rabbi Becher discusses Jewish Independence, Chanukah and the Dreidel. View this video directly on Vimeo.
A Single Stone: Why did the Patriarchs use single stones as monuments? Why are the Jewish people forbidden from using these monolithic monuments? View this video directly on Vimeo.
We just celebrated the beginning of the Jewish month of Kislev, the month in which Chanukah falls. This will be the first of a number of articles about the upcoming festival. First we will set the opening scenes of this epic encounter of Jewish history. Israel: Approximately 200 years before the events of Chanukah, hundreds…
Rabbi Mordechai Becher discusses the burial of Sarah and Jewish Attitudes Towards Death View this video directly on Vimeo.
The origin of the morning service and the surprising subjects of the “first” prayer View this video directly on Vimeo.
There is a custom to begin sounding the shofar in the synagogue a month before Rosh Hashanah, the New Year. The idea is that we have to start the process of change well before Rosh Hashanah to avoid a last minute, panicked rush. During the month before Rosh Hashanah, known as Elul, the shofar is…
Rabbi Mordechai Becher discusses the “commandment” to wear a bicycle helmet, and to take other protective measures. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Rabbi Becher discusses some differences between US and THEM. View this video directly on Vimeo.