Explorations

I think that Succos can only be properly celebrated when we can see how it is the culmination of all the Yomim Tovim. I explore that in this podcast. Feedback as usual is needed.

Let's delve a little deeper into the connections between Yom Kippur and Succos!

What do the four days between Yom Kippur and Succos mean? Practically, they are used to prepare for Succos; build the succa, pick up a lulav and Esrog.  But why so little time to get ready? I explore the connection between these two holidays.  

What is the point of this complex poem that describes Jewish History in a new and confusing way?  What takeaways are there that were not found in any of the previous promises of national redemption? 

Why does the whole Yonah drama resolve itself over the life of the Kikayon plant? How does this help us do Teshuva?

Why is the Shofar symbolic of the Akeida? It's not the Ram; it's the ram's horn!

The Ram's horn figures as a major player in the Akeida. 

On the first day of Rosh Hashana, the chosen Haftora is the story of Chana and Eli, and the misunderstanding that leads to the birth of Shmuel Hanavi. This class explores the connections between this dramatic story and Rosh Hashana and the blasts of the Shofar on Rosh Hashana. It is based on the pre-Shofar drasha I gave in shul on the first day of Rosh Hashana 5782. Any and all feedback keeps these podcasts going.

Every year, we read Parshas Nitzavim on the Shabbos before Rosh Hashana, without exception. 

The depth of the connection between this Parsha and this YomTov is explored with the help of an insight of the Lubavitcher Rebbe into the meaning of the word "Nitzavim" - often translated as "standing", but actually much deeper.

How can you have Simcha when life is awful?

How does the necessity to have Simcha fit with the reality and occasional value of sadness?