A powerful story to inspire our prayers on Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur

"Aliyah L'Regel": An inspirational journey through the Jewish Calendar through the lens presented by teachings of great Jewish thinkers. Class delivered at Midreshet Torat Chesed.

The arrival of Rosh Hashanah brings both rigorous halachic protocols and deep, soul-stirring themes as we prepare to stand before the Almighty. From the practicalities of morning preparation to the profound spiritual resonance of the blasts, the structure of the New Year invites us to connect with the very foundations of existence.

In this episode, we unpack the practical halachot and spiritual mechanics of Rosh Hashanah through three core questions:

• Eating Before Shofar: Is it permissible to eat or drink before fulfilling the essential mitzvah of listening to the Shofar, and how do halachic authorities navigate the balance between physical strength and spiritual obligations on a holiday morning?
  
• The Wordless Prayer: How do the raw, unfiltered sounds of the Shofar allow us to express deep emotions, prayers, and inner longings that human words simply fail to capture?
  
• Echoes of Creation: Why do we observe a two-day festival for Rosh Hashanah, and how does this dual structure directly commemorate the original first Friday and Shabbat in the story of Creation?
  

Join us for an inspiring exploration into the halachic nuances and internal rhythm of Rosh Hashanah, offering fresh perspectives to transform your spiritual preparation for the High Holidays.

"Ripped From The Headlines": Presenting topics in current events considered through the lens of Jewish law and thought. Class delivered at Midreshet Torat Chesed. When news broke of a major class-action lawsuit against Golda Ice Cream for mislabeling products as "sugar-free" despite containing sugar levels well above permitted limits, it ignited a public health controversy. But beyond consumer protection law, this case opens up critical questions in Choshen Mishpat regarding commercial ethics, truth in advertising, and financial integrity.

In this episode, we examine the legal and moral principles governing consumer transactions and false representation in halacha:

• Geneivat Da'at (Deception): How does Jewish law define misrepresentation in marketing, and what is the strict prohibition against misleading consumers—even when no direct financial harm is intended?

• Mekach Ta'at (Transactions Under False Pretenses): Does purchasing a product based on false health claims render the entire transaction void, requiring a full refund?

• Ona'ah & Financial Misrepresentation: How does halacha evaluate overcharging or misrepresenting the true nature and value of a product, and what remedies are available to affected buyers?

• Consumer Redress: What are the halachic obligations of a business when corporate negligence or deception leads to widespread public harm?

Join us for an in-depth analysis of classic sources and modern responsa as we explore how halacha governs modern commercial disputes and upholds standards of honesty in the marketplace.

Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelech 5786

Short ideas to prepare for Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur

"Aliyah L'Regel": An inspirational journey through the Jewish Calendar through the lens presented by teachings of great Jewish thinkers. Class delivered at Midreshet Torat Chesed.

The calendar sequence of the High Holidays seems intuitively backwards: why stand trial and receive our annual judgment on Rosh Hashanah before we undergo the intense process of cleansing and repentance on Yom Kippur?

In this episode, we unpack the unique structural mechanics of the Tishrei holidays through three core questions:

• Joy vs. Awe: Is there a formal mitzvah of Simcha (joy) on Rosh Hashanah as there is on the Shalosh Regalim (Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot), or does the gravity of judgment fundamentally change the nature of the day?

• The Structural Paradox: Why does the Day of Judgment precede the Day of Atonement? How does this specific sequence reshape our understanding of teshuva and our relationship with God?

• The Power of Coronation: What is the actual potential impact of our prayers on Rosh Hashanah, and how does crowning God as King on day one set the stage for total forgiveness ten days later?

Join us for a profound exploration into the internal rhythm of the High Holidays, offering fresh perspectives to transform your spiritual preparation for the New Year.

"Ripped From The Headlines": Presenting topics in current events considered through the lens of Jewish law and thought. Class delivered at Midreshet Torat Chesed.With the steep rise in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among IDF veterans, service dogs have shifted from a medical novelty to a vital, life-saving therapeutic tool. But as these essential support animals enter daily religious life, they bring complex halachic questions to the forefront of modern Jewish law.

In this episode, we examine the intersection of mental health, compassion, and Jewish legal framework regarding service animals and pets:

• Pet Ownership: What is the fundamental stance of halacha regarding keeping dogs in the home?

• Shabbat Protocols: Are dogs strictly muktzah on Shabbat? Does the legal status change when a dog provides companionship, emotional support, or essential service to an ill person?

• Surgical Interventions: How does the Torah's prohibition against castrating animals (Sirus) apply when neutering is a required step for service dog training and temperament?

• Sanctity of the Shul: May a veteran or individual relying on a service dog bring the animal directly into a synagogue during services?

Join us for an in-depth analysis of classic sources and modern responsa as we explore how halacha responds to the psychological wounds of war and balances the dignity of the individual with traditional legal boundaries.

Shiur to prepare for Rosh Hashanah delivered in Tel Aviv to FJL Alumni and friends:

• How much of Hashem's judgment on Rosh Hashanah is based on my good vs. bad deeds and how much is dependent on my "mazal"/flow?
• How do I set my mind on what is important to think about and pray for on Rosh Hashanah?
• How do I successfully invite Hashem's mercy into my life through my interactions with others?

Shiur to FJL Global Alumni (on Zoom) to prepare for the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashanah.

The shiur covered:

• How to set our mind and soul for the flow of weeks starting from Elul leading into Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah
• How can Rosh Hashanah be called a holiday when it is the Day of Judgment?
• Why is Rosh Hashanah a uniquely Jewish holiday when we are celebrating the birthday of humanity, a universal day?
• What should we be praying for on Rosh Hashanah: personal needs or Hashem's "needs"?

שיעור בסגנון "כולל יום שישי" בבית כנסת לכו נרננה, רעננה על פרשת השבוע