Jewish Calendar
95: The Avoda of Sefiras HaOmer
The story of progress towards the goal is the story of Jewish history. It’s the story of imperfect people reaching for greater perfection.
Let your commitment be expressed in practice.
85: Chanuka: Fiery Determination to Sanctify God's Name
“You should show by your example, and bear witness by your deeds, that the true son and true daughter of Israel hold nothing higher than God and fulfillment of His Divine Will. And you shall, if it be necessary, willingly seal this testimony with your life, in that, if it must be, you offer it up in order to preserve your loyalty to God and to inspire such loyalty in your brethren. You will achieve more by your death than by your life, for you leave behind to the congregation of Israel an eternal example of faith which will inspire your children and your children’s children to a life of saintliness.
"But if you sacrifice yourself to the hallowing of the Holy Name, do not expect a miracle to save you. Leave it in God’s hands. He alone can judge which is more worthwhile: death in the present or the life that might be left to you.”
— Rav S.R. Hirsch, Horeb, "Kiddush Hashem"
Handouts:
77: Emotions Recruiting Actions - Pesukei DeZimra
76: Hallelukah! Shofar and Reflections of Tzelem Elokim • Intro to Pesukei DeZimra VI
73: The Lost Pesach of the Bnei Ephraim: Shira and the Avoda of Pesukei DeZimra • Intro to Pesukei DeZimra III
70: Citing Your Sources: The Secret Battle of Purim
The purpose of Geula; Haman versus Esther. Attributing power to its true source.
כל האומר דבר בשם אומרו מביא גאולה לעולם.
Post Shiur discussion: When prophecy is history — How to know your purpose in life — Learning to live in Galus.
55: Shimon HaTzaddik and the Roots of the Chanuka Miracle
54: Chanuka Chashmona
53: Ozer Yisrael Part V: Eliyahus Belt and Chanuka
53: Ozer Yisrael BiGevura Part V: Eliyahu's Belt and Chanuka
A look at the numbers 6, 7 and 8, and how their deeper meanings teach us about Chanuka.“Spiritual sources of Bracha are never depleted”
The miracles of Sarah’s tent. The inner meanings of the numbers 6, 7 and 8. Thinking about Chanuka and its “Eightness”!
47: The Voice of the Shofar on Rosh Hashana
"The root of the root of the Shofar on Rosh Hashana is the selfsame breath which God blew into the nostrils of Adam at the creation of humanity." (— Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner)
The call of the Shofar "brings you through your innermost self to God." (— Rabbi S. R. Hirsch)
Time is the structure in our lives that allows us to think of our lives as having meaning, mission, purpose. Time allows us to think about our past, commit to our future, and make choices in the present.