TURNING TRAFFIC JAMS INTO SERENITY
The theme of Rosh Hashanah and its avoda is accepting upon ourselves the Sovereignty of HaShem as the absolute Sovereign of the universe. The expectation is to accept HaShem as our personal Master, our personal King. To accept His Sovereignty on a personal level means to live with the notion the same way we live with the notion of gravity. We understand gravity and live with it and anticipate its strength on a very actual level.
Continue reading Nitzavim 5781CONVINCE THE OTHER SIDE
In this week’s Parsha, Nitzavim Vayeilech, we are given the mitzvah and the opportunity of teshuvah. The Torah writes “this mitzvah is not far away, it is in your heart and in your mouth to do it”. This implication is that teshuvah is not that difficult; all it needs is the heart.
Continue reading Nitzavim Vayeilech 5780ALL OUR NEEDS ARE INCLUDEDALL OUR NEEDS ARE INCLUDED
As I look through the Rosh Hashanah machzor I do not find any place to ask for my needs and for those who are dear to me. Is there no place to ask for our needs. Is there not a Jewish expression “bet ois a gut yur”, “Ask Hashem for a good year”?
Continue reading Nitzavim 5779SHOFAR; BLOWING LIFE INTO THE WORLD
The theme of Rosh Hashanah is the coronation of HaShem as the Sovereign of the Uni-verse. Our avoda on this special day is to proclaim Him King. Our success is determined by the level of our commitment to Him as our Master. The questions begs; why does HaShem need our acceptance? Does He have any needs at all? If there is a need how can mortal Man provide that?
Continue reading Nitzavim 5778OF TORAH AND TAXES
In this week’s Parsha, Nitzavim Vayeilech, Moshe tells his people that at the end of Jewish history, after all the blessings and all the curses will pass over us, we will come back to HaKadosh Baruch Hu. In all the lands that HaKadosh Baruch Hu dispersed us, even if we will be in the corners of the heavens we will return to Him.
Continue reading Nitzavim Vayeilech 5777PURE HEART
In Chapter 30 of our Parsha, Moshe says; “It will be when all these things come upon you; the blessing and the curse… then you will take it to heart among all the nations where HaShem dispersed you, and you will return to HaShem and listen to His voice with all your heart and all your soul. Then HaShem will bring back your captivity and He will have mercy upon you and He will return and gather you in from where He scattered you… He will bring to the Land and do good and make you numerous more than before.” This is a prophecy which we are able to see become alive in our most recent history.
Continue reading Nitzavim 5782