The Three T’s
On Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur we declare: “Repentance, prayer and charity remove the evil of the decree!” In Hebrew, these constitute the three Ts: Teshuva, Tefila and Tzedaka. Teshuva…
Birthday of the World
According to Jewish tradition, this Sunday night, when Rosh Hashana begins, the world will be 5783 years old. This claim easily stirs up sharp debate. How, it is often asked, can one say…
Symbolic Foods
Since Rosh Hashana is the Day of Judgment, it is customary to eat simanim*, foods with symbolic meanings that invoke God’s blessing. We also recite a short prayer before eating them.…
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Learn more about and purchase some of the special simanim, the symbolic foods that are eaten on Rosh Hashana so you will be able to recite the special prayers and enjoy them as we welcome…
Holiday Greetings
The standard pre-Rosh Hashana greeting of “K’tiva v’chatima tova” (“May you be written and sealed for good”) is deduced from a Talmudic discussion concerning the three heavenly books that…
Nitzavim 5782-2022
Nitzavim 5782-2022 “The Hidden Things Belong to G-d” (updated and revised from Nitzavim 5765-2005) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On the final day of his life, Moses gathers all the people…
Start Preparing
As we approach the onset of the Jewish New Year, consider the multifaceted nature of Rosh Hashana, with its distinct names, and determine the positive changes you plan to make during this…
Positive Thinking Day
One of the new holidays that has gained traction due to internet calendars is “Positive Thinking Day,” celebrated this year today, on September 13th. With less than two weeks until Rosh…
I Am To My Beloved
The Torah verse that most epitomizes the emotion of love is: “Anee l’dodi v’dodi lee” – I am to my beloved, and my beloved is to me (Song of Songs 6:3). The ideal love relationship,…
Seeking God in Elul
In anticipation of the High Holy Days, and during the High Holy Days themselves, Psalm 27 is read twice daily from the beginning of the month of Elul through the holiday of Sukkot in…