by Rabbi Chanan Morrison “On the third day Abraham lifted his eyes, and saw the place from afar.” (Gen. 22:4) For three days Abraham traveled, following God’s command, towards Mount Moriah. What happened during this long journey, the prelude to the Akeidah? What was Abraham — a loving father, soon to offer up his only … Read more
by Rabbi Ari Goldwag Aish.com Cheshvan is when darkness reigns, yet growth begins deep beneath the surface. The current Hebrew month, Cheshvan, is classically referred to as Marcheshvan, the prefix of which is the word mar. In Hebrew, this word means “bitter,” which our Sages connect to the fact that there are no special occasions … Read more
The punishment of the cleansing flood waters was a difficult and painful tragedy in the midst of mankind’s voyage. So terrible, that G-d must assure the survivors that ” And I will establish My covenant with you, and never again will all flesh be cut off by the flood waters, and there will never again … Read more
Rabbi Chanan Morisson “God did not turn to Cain and his offering. Cain became enraged and his face fell.” (Gen. 4:5) In the story of the world’s first murder, it was God’s decision not to accept Cain’s offering that triggered Cain’s anger and jealousy, and ultimately his murder of Abel. Why did God refuse to … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Sometimes one can learn much from the lowly and humble, seemingly simple folk. From HaRav Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook zts”l Succoth: The Role of the Lowly Willow You have to feel sorry for the poor aravah, the willow branch waved together with the other three species of the arba’ahminim on Succoth. … Read more
Introspection on the High Holydays reveals the fissures and the cracks; joy on Sukkot enables the healing and the growth. by Moshe Kempinski We have entered into and experienced the month of Tishrei as a period of great soul searching and introspection. We have hopefully sensed how the purifying fire of the Day of Atonement … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison The focus of the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is teshuvah [return or repentance]. We recite the Avinu Malkeinu prayer during this period, requesting: “Our Father our King! Return us in complete teshuvah before You.” When is teshuvah full and complete? Healing the Source We can understand this phrase … Read more
The order of the shofar blasts on Rosh Hashanah may be understood as corresponding to major stages in the history of the universe. There are two basic types of shofar blasts: Tekiyah — one long, constant blast. Shevarim-teruah — several short blasts followed by numerous staccato blows. The shofar blasts are organized in sets of … Read more
