Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s VLog – What is the purpose of Confession? – Yom Kippur 5778
We confess our sins in various forms ten times during Yom Kippur. What is he purpose of this? View this video directly on Vimeo.
Fasting on Yom Kippur
One of the best-known features of Yom Kippur — sometimes the only thing people know about this day — is the fact that we are forbidden to eat and drink. What is the meaning and purpose of these prohibitions on Yom Kippur? An anthropologist visiting a synagogue on Yom Kippur might think that since no…
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s VLog – Returning, but to Where? – Rosh Hashanah 5778
What is the meaning of teshuvah? To where are we returning? View this video directly on Vimeo.
A Brief History of Time
According to Jewish tradition, before God created the first human being, a debate took place in the heavenly court. When the Holy One blessed Be He came to create man, the ministering angels formed into groups, some saying that man should be created, some saying that he should not be created… Kindness voted to create…
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s VLog – Responsibility – For Another Jew – Parshat Nitzavim/Vayeilech 5777
Every Jew is responsible for one another and that is what makes us a nation. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Is Repentance a Commandment?
“For this mitzvah is not far from you; it is not in heaven that you shall say ‘Who will ascend for us to the heavens…’” (Deuteronomy 30:11) Nachmanides states in his commentary that this verse refers to the positive commandment of repentance. He cites two verses as sources for this mitzvah: Deuteronomy 4:30 “…you shall…
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s VLog – Don’t Move The Borders! – Parshat Ki Tavo 5777
While the verse simply reads “Do not move the borders…”, Rabbi Mordechai Becher brings several different explanations that show how each person should recognize his own uniqueness, and not try to be someone else. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Hope and Optimism
It is customary to add a Psalm to our prayers during the month preceding Rosh Hashanah. The Psalm is Chapter 27 and is one of most beautiful prayers in the book of Psalms. “A Psalm of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of…
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s VLog – Elul: Preparing for the High Holidays – Parshat Ki Teitzei 5777
Rabbi Mordechai Becher shows us how to use the month of Elul to prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. You’ll also get a rare treat of hearing him blow the shofar! View this video directly on Vimeo.
The Month of Elul – Preparing for the High Holidays
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…