Fasts (3 classes)

The 3 tragedies. (short). On this fast day we mourn three separate tragic events: 1. The death of Ezra, 2. the Targum 70 3. the siege of Yerushalayim. Slichos of Asara Biteves. (5773-2012). Slichos for Asarah BiTeves. inside. The order of all the Slichos are the same, only cetain paragraphs are different. We learned some...

Chanuka and Purim. (2 classes)

V’al Hanisim This prayer is said in Shmona esrei and bentching (in “Hodaa.”) Its meaning (in part), and where we recite it, and why. This class is based on source material. Some of the thoughts however are (semi)original and each person will judge for himself. First Version. (5668). Second Version. (5669).

Sukkos (4 Classes)

Oim Ani Choma. Oim Ani Choma, Galus truly reveals why Yidden are Hashem’s people. Halelu Es Hashem Kol Goyim. Halelu es Hashem Kol Goyim- Sukos is a holiday for non-Jews as well, but Shmini Atzeres is for us and Hashem alone. Hoshaanos. The key themes of Succos are harvest and livelihood. This class delves deeper,...

Atta Vichartanu.

Atta Vichartanu, Hashem’s choice in His nation is especially important on Yom Tov, as we fix and sanctify the holidays. Three introductory ideas: 1) Choice, 2) love, 3) will and what they relate to (the three Regalim) and what they mean. Four blessings: 1) Language, 2) Mitzvos, 3) Avoda, inner connection, 4) The name of...

Halel (4 Classes)

Monday 18 Sivan 5773/ May 27, 2013. Class One. The first of a few classes on Halel. Halel predates the Siddur and may in fact be Biblical. Whole vs. half Halel. The Bracha. It must not be said every day. The Chassidus (Derech mitzvosecha) of Halel. Monday 25 Sivan 5773/ June 3, 2013. Class Two....