The Women of Chanukah Pnina Omer Lighting Chanukah candles is an obligation as well as a privilege for women. This is clearly illustrated and accepted within Jewish law “… for they, too, were present at that miracle”, according to the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law). This precept also appears in the Gemarah (Talmud), but …
The Precedent for the Final Redemption Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz In his assessment of the causes, and aftermath of the historical events that led to the establishment of the festival of Chanukah, Rambam (Maimonides 12th century Spain) writes towards the end of the first law: “…וגברו בני חשמונאי הכוהנים הגדולים והרגום והושיעו ישראל מידם והעמידו מלך …
The Message in the Candles Rabbanit Sally Mayer The festival of Chanukah commemorates an incredible miracle. When the Beit Hamikdash was rededicated by the Hasmoneans after their military victory, a small flask of oil sufficient enough to light the menorah for one night, lasted eight. However, there have been other miracles which seem far greater …
The Miracle of Lights or of Victory? Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin The festival of Chanukah celebrates the victory of a small band of Hasmonean believers in God. We also celebrate the triumph of Jewish traditions over the massive forces of the Hellinistic ruling class of Judea together with the military might of Greek-Syria, whose misguided …
The first ten days of the Jewish calendar are known as “Aseret Yemei Teshuva – The ten days of Teshuva.” Citing the verse, “Seek God when He may be found, call upon Him when He is near,” the Talmud asserts that “these are the ten days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur,” when God is …
Yes, We Can Rabbanit Sally Mayer The haunting melody of Kol Nidrei resonates with every Jew who attends services on Yom Kippur night. But if you were writing the prayers for Yom Kippur, what would you choose as the opening lines? Perhaps you would open by apologizing for however we have sinned over the year; …
Contemplations Rabbi Shuki Reich There are two themes which are central to Rosh Hashana. The first is that of listening – the main aspect of the shofar is, after all, to listen – and the second theme is prayer, expressing oneself to the Creator, and understanding what his or her purpose is. The main feature …
“Ani LeDodi veDodi Li – I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine” Advocate Osnat Sharon The month of Elul and the ensuing Days of Awe are a time of reflection. We are told that the “King is in the Field,” He is here among us in the month of Elul. He is readily …
The Mercy of a Father for His Children Rabbi Shlomo Vilk The laws of repentance and the prayers of the Days of Awe are more about concession and throwing up our hands in submission than about asking for forgiveness. We are supposed to repent throughout the year; we would expect intensification during this period. Yet …
The Power of Speech Rabbanit Naama Frankel “שובה ישראל עד ה’ אלוהיך כי כשלת בעווניך… קחו עימכם דברים ושובו אל ה’” (הושע בפרק יד, ב-ג) “Return, O Israel to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled in your iniquity…Take words with yourselves and return to the Lord” (Hos. 14:2-3) The Talmud in Yoma 86b …
Preparing to Become Rabbanit Devorah Evron A hush descends upon the synagogue. The sound of the shofar blasting is heard: tekia, shevarim, terua. The congregation immediately sings the wonderful piyyut: “HaYom Harat Olam – Today is the day of the world’s gestation.” This liturgical song compares the creation of the world to pregnancy and birth which, although …
Just Think, You Can Do Better Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein אף על פי שהתשובה והצעקה יפה לעולם, בעשרת הימים שבין ראש השנה ויום הכיפורים היא יפה ביותר, ומיד היא מתקבלת (הרמב”ם, הלכות תשובה ב, ח) “Even though repentance and prayer are wonderful, during the 10 days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur they are all the …
