by Rabbi Yaakov Wolff | f 14, 2023 | Free Will, Freedom, Pinchas, Rosh Hashana
When I was ten years old, we took a drive from New Jersey to Baltimore. Along the way, we made a short stop in Philadelphia where we decided to explore Independence Hall, the US Mint, and, finally, the Liberty Bell. As we approached the iconic, cracked bell, I...
by Rabbi Pesach Wolicki | f 14, 2023 | Rosh Hashana
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is considered a day for introspection and repentance. It is one of the High Holy Days, the most sacred days on the Jewish calendar. But strangely, the Bible tells us very little about this day. Here is the full description of this...
by Rabbi Yaakov Wolff | f 14, 2023 | Bereishit, Rosh Hashana
If you take a look at the curriculum for a degree in education, you will see lots of courses about teaching methods, classroom management and imparting values. But there is one ritual, that repeats itself hundreds of thousands of times, that is usually overlooked. A...
by Rabbi Elie Mischel | f 12, 2023 | Amos, Elul, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur
The following scenario is probably familiar to many of us: Summer was great, but with a couple of weeks between the end of camp and the first day of school, we find our kids becoming restless and ready to return to routine. They miss the structured days and the...
by Rabbi Elie Mischel | f 31, 2023 | Nitzavim, Prayer, Rosh Hashana
A fishing boat was once caught in a terrible storm. Unable to withstand the heavy rains and tempestuous waves, the boat capsized. Everyone on board drowned with the exception of two men who had managed to hold onto some floating wood. Fortunately, these two survivors...
by Rabbi Elie Mischel | f 27, 2023 | Ki Tavo, Kindness and Compassion, Rosh Hashana
Every year on Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) morning, Rabbi Yeshaya of Kerestier (Hungary, 1851 – 1925) would seclude himself in his study for about 10 minutes before the blowing of the Shofar (ram’s horn). One year, one of his followers, who was curious to see how...
