-
Sukkot and Embracing Feminine Diversity
Jews have always faced the struggle of being different’…
-
What Is the Connection between Sukkot, Simcha and Olam HaBa?
The concept of ruchniyut (spirituality) is built on three fundamental elements: Hashem (God), the neshama (soul), and Olam HaBa (the World to Come). Each of the three holidays around this time of year—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot—corresponds to one of these elements. Rosh Hashanah is linked to Hashem, as it is the day we…
-
The Halachot of Yom Kippur
“Erev” Yom Kippur Fasting Washing “Issur Melacha” All melachot that are prohibited on Shabbat are prohibited on Yom Kippur. Anointing The prohibition of anointing on Yom Kippur means that one may not spread oils on one’s body. Wearing leather shoes Leather shoes may not be worn, while those of other materials may, including rubber, cloth,…
-
Pregnancy and Fasting on Yom Kippur
Fasting on Yom Kippur is one of the few mitzvot whose punishment is karet, the most severe form of punishment for a sin. This said, even on Yom Kippur, in the case of pikuach nefesh, we will find that leniencies exist permitting (or even requiring) one to eat. In this article we will briefly discuss…
-
Yom Kippur: Dating Lessons from Moshe Rabbeinu and Adolf Hitler
Moshe Rabbeinu and Adolf Hitler. Two leaders with tremendous followings who were able to greatly influence the people they led. It’s easy to contrast the two, with Hitler being so evil and Moshe Rabbeinu so righteous. They each used their gift of speech on their path to leadership, but the dichotomy between them serves as…
-
The Halachot of Rosh Hashanah
On the eve of Rosh Hashanah we do “hatarat nedarim” (the undoing of vows). A woman who cannot do so before a bet din may appoint her husband, or any other person, to perform it on her behalf. Two candles are lit on each day of Rosh Hashanah. One must be careful to leave a…
