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 Why do we celebrate Tu BiShvat, the Rosh HaShanah La’Ilanot, in the middle of the winter– a time when nothing is growing and the world around us descends into a deep, frost-bitten slumber? It seems to be at the wrong time of the year. Shouldn’t the New Year for the Trees come in the…
