Rosh Hashana/Haazinu 5785-2024
“Jewish Normal, Is Not Very Normal”
(updated and revised from Haazinu-Rosh Hashana 5774-2013)
We live in remarkable times, anomalous times, times that have no precedent in all of Jewish history. Experiences of relative peace and tranquility can hardly be called the “Jewish normal.”
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Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5784-2024
“Choosing Life”
(updated and revised from Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5763-2003)
In parashat Nitzavim, the Al-mighty begs his children to "choose life." Judaism believes that "healthy guilt" allows us to override our defense mechanisms and helps us acknowledge the changes that we need to make in order to improve our lives, to perfect our situation and to choose life.
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Pinchas 5784-2024
"Whatever Became of the Sons of Korach”
(updated and revised from Pinchas 5765-2005)
The Midrash says that G-d gave the gentile nations a prophet of the stature of Bilaam so that the nations would not be able to say, “If we had a prophet, we would be as righteous as Israel.” Instead of leading his people to good, Bilaam led the people to evil and corruption. But, is it truly Bilaam and others like him who fail, or is it the failure of the Jews to serve as a proper role model for others?
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Rosh Hashana 5784-2023
“Actions and their Implications”
(updated and revised from Rosh Hashana 5766-2005)
Rosh Hashana provides us with a unique opportunity for introspection and self-evaluation. Unfortunately, most people often fail to realize the implications of their actions, deeds and words. What we think is innocuous, can often be terribly destructive.
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Rosh Hashana 5783-2022
“Making Each Day Count”
(updated and revised from Rosh Hashana 5764-2003)
The High Holidays are a time to rendezvous with our Maker, to own-up to the sins that we have committed during the previous year, and to emerge anew, ready to serve G-d with vitality, freshness, and enthusiasm. What is the secret to living a life full of life?
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Vayeilech 5782-2021
“Appreciating our own Inner Worth”
(updated and revised from Vayeilech 5761-2001)
Unfortunately, there are many who feel themselves unworthy of G-d's forgiveness, or unworthy of participating in the communal contrition of the Jewish people. Judaism rejects that assumption, insisting that each and every soul is precious to G-d, and surely qualifies for Divine forgiveness.
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Nitzavim 5781-2021
“Striving to Reach Heaven During the Days of Awe”
(updated and revised from Nitzavim 5761-2001)
During the period of selichot, the Jewish people have a unique opportunity to ascend and grow morally and religiously. It is an opportunity for each of us to improve our attitudes and behaviors, to work on our relationships with both humans and with G-d. If we strive to reach heaven, we can rest assured that we will be blessed, because we are on the right track.
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Rosh Hashana 5781-2020
“A Message for the High Holy Days: ‘Export, Export!’”
(updated and revised from Rosh Hashana 5763-2002)
During the period of the Ten Days of Penitence, we need to make our lives more spiritually meaningful. It is during the ten days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur that we must make particularly sincere efforts to "export" good deeds and acts of kindness.
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