-
Biblical Women and Music: A Love Story
Music is a gateway to one of the most transcendent experiences…
-
The Halachot of Chol HaMoed
These are festive days, but do not carry the restrictions of a “Yom Tov”, while still being holy, and unlike a regular weekday. All the types of “melacha” that are prohibited on Yom Tov, are prohibited on “Chol HaMoed” rabbinically, except for in the situations outlined below. Many are accustomed to wearing their holiday clothing…
-
Can a Woman Dance with a Sefer Torah?
Simchat Torah is a highlight of the Jewish calendar…
-
Simchat Torah: Happy Wife, Happy Life!
Women are empowered with tremendous greatness to give…
-
What Is the Nature of Simchat Torah’s Joy?
Joyous cries of ‘Ashreinu ma tov chelkeinu’ and ‘Vetaheir libeinu’ belted out, circles of old and young interlocking with each other, a proud man clutching a sefer Torah in the centre, swaying back and forth with delight. Simchat Torah is the peak of the High Holy Days; the climax of a period which began with…
-
Understanding the Concept of Serving Hashem with Joy
Psalm 100, or “Mizmor l’Todah,” is a familiar Psalm due to its inclusion in Shacharit. It begins with: מִזְמ֥וֹר לְתוֹדָ֑ה הָרִ֥יעוּ לַ֝ה’ כָּל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ A psalm for praise. Raise a shout for the LORD, all the earth; This psalm continues with it’s most well-known verse: עִבְד֣וּ אֶת־ה’ בְּשִׂמְחָ֑ה בֹּ֥אוּ לְ֝פָנָ֗יו בִּרְנָנָֽה׃ Serve the LORD in gladness;…
