The Ten Days of Teshuvah
The first ten days of the Jewish calendar are known as “the ten days of teshuvah.” These are days for soul-searching, repentance and return (teshuvah) to G-d.
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What Is A Baal Teshuvah?
The baal teshuvah, who frees the sparks of divinity imprisoned in the realm of the forbidden, is examined in contrast with the tzaddik, who has more limited powers.
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Spiritual Auditing: A Letter from the Rebbe
Spiritual auditing is part of preparing for Yom Kippur. Learn about taking an honest accounting of your deeds before Yom Kippur.
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Kaparot
Kaparot is one of the most solemn observances of the Days of Awe. In the early morning hours of the day before Yom Kippur, we take a rooster (for a man) or a hen (for a woman) and, circling it above our heads, say three times: “This is my exchange, this is in my stead, this is my kaparah (atonement); this rooster shall go to its death, and I shall go on to good, long life and peace.”
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Return to a Timeless Essence
Everyone has access to a timeless essence–their inner, higher self. Learn about the transformative power of accessing it.
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Holy Sinners
Parshat Korach relates the story of Korach’s challenge to the authority of Moses & the priesthood of Aaron. The lesson: no human being is irredeemable.
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The Heifer and the Calf
The mitzvah of the red heifer is a ritual antidote to the spiritual impurity caused by contact with the dead; and a paradox & blueprint for all 613 mitzvot
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Two Problems
A story of two disciples of the Maggid and their two contending troubles – sin and mitzvah. One can repent for the former but what of the latter?
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Shoftim: Katrina And Gaza
Rabbi Jacobson’s answer to a question about the link between the Israeli evacuation from Gaza with the catastrophic devastation of by Hurricane Katrina.
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