As Rosh Hashana approaches we seek inspiration, to reconnect and to come closer to Hashem. In that light, we are delighted to share the latest edition of Midreshet Lindenbaum‘s Torah journal, “Ta Shma – Come and Learn.” Click on the button below to download the booklet and read insights from members of the stellar Midreshet …
145,000 Israelis Embrace New Year with Joy, Meaning and Unity OTS’s Yachad Program for Jewish Identity brought the beauty of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah to more than 145,000 Israelis this year through their annual “Holidays are for Everyone” initiative, designed to ensure that Jewish traditions are accessible and meaningful for all …
Read more145,000 Israelis Embrace Heritage with Joy, Meaning and Unity
Blowing the Shofar: The Voice of Freedom Rabbi David Stav One of the symbols most closely identified with Rosh Hashanah is the shofar. Shofar motifs adorned Jewish New Year’s postcards back when people sent postcards to each other. We sound the shofar dozens of times during the month of Elul, reaching the climax on the holiday …
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 …
As Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur approach, we are all looking for inspiration, to reconnect and come closer to Hashem. In that light we are delighted to share this special Yamim Nora’im edition of the Midreshet Lindenbaum Torah journal, “Ta Shma” – Come and Learn. We invite you to learn from the articles from members …
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 …
