Monthly Archives: September 2018

On Sukkot our desires [“to dwell in the House of the Lord” (Psalm 27:4)] are answered. In effect, God is the bridegroom and we, the Jewish people, are the bride called upon to enter the bridegroom’s home. The seven days … Continue reading →

The power of Sukkot is that it takes us back to the most elemental roots of our being.  You don’t need to live in a palace to be surrounded by clouds of glory.  You don’t need to be rich to … Continue reading →

You shall hold a festival for the Lord your God seven days…and you shall have nothing but joy. ~ Deuteronomy 16:15

A person who truly trusts in God is truly rich.  But a person who is only reputed to trust in God is like a person who is only reputed to be rich. ~ R’ Yisrael Salanter zt”l

“Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve…” is heresy! What you are really saying is that it wasn’t Hashem’s will. ~ R’ Yissocher Frand

The  numerical value of the Hebrew word “HaSaTaN” (the Satan) is equal to 364. That is because on the 365th day – Yom Kippur,  Hashem silences the Satan enabling us to emerge meritorious in judgement. Gemar Chasima Tovah!    

Teshuva (repentance) means to come back to the greatness which is expected of us, even if you did not do any sins at all. Did you learn enough Torah? Did you love Hashem enough? Did you think about His greatness enough? … Continue reading →

If G-d wanted perfection, He would have been perfectly happy sitting on His heavenly throne surrounded by angels or he might have created a man that can’t sin. But G-d desired something more, something better than perfection. He created this world, … Continue reading →

On Yom Kippur, the Kohen Gadol would say Achas, Achas v’Achas, Achas u’Shtayim until ‘Achas va’Sheva’ The Imrei Emes explains that the most precious moment for Hashem is when one makes a strong resolve to improve his ways. Afterwards, he may have ups … Continue reading →

Every aspect of creation possesses a Godly spark that gives it life and maintains its existence; but the material nature of the world conceals this inner Godliness and prevents its expression. The purpose of a Jew’s life is to elevate … Continue reading →