We have just entered the month of Ellul, the month during which we prepare for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. One of preparations is the addition of certain prayers to our daily service and also the daily sounding of the shofar. According to Jewish tradition, before G-d created the first human being, a debate took place in the heavenly court. When the Holy One blessed Be He came to create man, ...
Read MoreHarry Rothenberg advises us to not overlook our obligations to our fellow Jew. View this video directly on VIMEO
Read MoreThe Talmud states that we are judged every day, and according to one opinion, every moment – so what is special about Rosh HaShana as the Day of Judgement? One answer to this question is alluded to by Maimonides, and I think is central to our goals at this time of year. The month of Ellul and the approaching Days of Awe, Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. are not about ...
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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 blown every day after the weekday morning services in order to wake us up from ...
Read MoreRabbi Mordechai Becher discusses the "commandment" to wear a bicycle helmet, and to take other protective measures. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Read MoreWe spend so much time preparing for bar mitzvas. But what happens next? View this video directly on VIMEO
Read MoreInterest in your Fellow Jew. Rabbi Becher explores some misconceptions about the prohibition of charging interest on loans and how they have contributed to antisemitism. View this video directly on VIMEO
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