BS”D There are two main and somewhat contradictory natures of Tisha B’Av: aveilus (mourning) and teshuva (repentance). The ultimate goal of Tisha B’Av and the three weeks that proceed it is teshuva– repairing and renewing our relationship with Hashem. But, many sources point out that the main focus on the 9th of Av itself is…
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Chanukah may fall out at the darkest time of the year. But, the very darkness gives the intense spiritual light Chanukah brings to the world the ability shine its brightest. This light is known as ohr haganuz, the hidden light of creation: וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֖ים יְהִי־א֑וֹר וַֽיְהִי־אֽוֹר And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there…
BS”D In Sefer Tehillim (95:7) it says that we are Hashem’s people “today, if you hear His Voice.” But, what does it mean in a practical sense to “hear” Hashem’s Voice? What exactly are we supposed to be listening for? A Bas Kol from Shamayim? And [Hashem] said: “Go out and stand in the mountain…
BS”D On the surface, the days of Sefiras HaOmer seem to have two, somewhat contradictory themes: On one hand, it’s a time a mourning when we limit joyous activities, like making a wedding, listening to music or buying new clothes. According to the Talmud, in the weeks between Pesach and Shavuos, Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students died in a…
Read More “Chodesh Iyar: The Key to Unlocking Divine Compassion” »
BS”D Straight after the first day of Pesach we enter a seven-week cycle known as Sefiras HaOmer (the Counting of the Omer). The 49 days from Pesach to Shavous really represent a journey of 49 steps to spiritual growth and emotional refinement that help us renew our acceptance of the Torah on an individual level. On the first…
