BS”D On Tisha B’Av, we face two main, somewhat contradictory themes: aveilus (mourning) and teshuva (repentance). Though the ultimate goal of Tisha B’Av and the three weeks that proceed it is teshuva, the main focus on the ninth day of Av itself is aveilus over the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. Throughout most of the day,…
Read More “How We Can Sweeten the Judgments this Tisha B’Av” »
BS”D The three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av is a period of constriction and introspection. It is a time when we collectively mourn over the destruction of the First and Second Temples and the devastating events that led up to it. It’s a time when we are also forced…
BS”D The ten days between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, is a time that is set aside for teshuva— a time when we are told to “seek Hashem when He can be found.”1 Many have asked: why do these days not come before Rosh HaShana when we stand in judgment before God? Wouldn’t it make sense to…
BS”D There are two ways to serve Hashem as hinted to in the prayers on Rosh HaShana: “If like children… if like servants…” A child doesn’t have to do anything to get this designation. When it comes to Hashem, he merely needs to acknowledge the fact that he is a child: “I’m Your child; You’re…
BS”D One of the most basic and fundamental elements of teshuva is the yearning for change— the longing to break through the blocks, fears, doubts, and confusions that prevent us from reaching our spiritual potential. This sincere yearning alone is a very powerful thing. Don’t ever underestimate it. You may feel very far away from…
