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Forgiveness Lessons from the Story of Yosef
Forgiveness and teshuva (repentance) are the focal points of the months of Elul and Tishrei. Tishrei is marked by the Yamim Noraim, and Elul before it constitutes the last opportunities to make things right for the previous year. That said, forgiveness is not always straightforward. The model story in the Chumash for repentance and forgiveness…
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What Does Serving Hashem Out of Love Look Like?
There are several ways to cultivate a love for Hashem…
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Navigating the Paradoxes of Teshuva
In this article, we will delve into two different instances of seemingly paradoxical elements within the concept of teshuva, as explained by Rav Steinsaltz. We will discover that teshuva involves balancing different elements, where these contrasting aspects work together to create a complete and cohesive process. Teshuva: Embracing the Challenge, Igniting the Change Rav Steinsaltz…
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Elul: The Mazal of the Betula
As months go, Elul falls between a rock and a hard place. It has a big job to do as it follows Av, a month where we are told to decrease in our happiness, and precedes Tishrei, the beginning of the year. We have just been deeply involved in intense feelings of loss relating to…
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Elul: Teshuva, a Divine Gift
Teshuva is illogical. According to logic, such a concept shouldn’t exist, and we shouldn’t be able to totally alter the past…
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Elul: Cultivating True Love for Hashem
In Chapter 10 of Hilchot Teshuva, the Rambam explores the theme of loving Hashem. In Mishna 1, he outlines the attitudes and mindsets that one should avoid when serving Hashem…
