Essays
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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Why We Fast On Yom Kippur: Reverse Biology
Spiritual meaning of fasting: Yom Kippur is a taste of this future world of reverse biology. We will be sustained by hunger, and will experience other unnatural phenomena.
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The Cycle of Forgiveness
A discussion about the cycle of forgiveness, the value of each human being, and the significance of his or her ability to forgive.
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Five Roots of Trauma Revisited
Using the concepts of The Five Roots of Trauma, this article looks at the five tragic events that took place on the 17th of Tammuz..
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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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Yom Kippur: Why the High Priest Went Home
Seven days before Yom Kippur, the Kohen Gadol (“High Priest”) is removed from his home to his chamber in the Holy Temple. Learn about the significance of home in relation to 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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Equal Housing: Unity Of Sukkot
The four species of Sukkot represent each type of Jew unified as one, and implies a greater harmony among all Jewish people.
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The Seasoned Life: The Etrog
The etrog represents the righteous who remain constant from year to year and are not effected by their surroundings.
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The Four Species: Four Mysteries of King Solomon Explained
“And you shall take for yourselves… the splendid fruit of a tree, fronds of dates, the branch of a thick-leafed tree and aravot of the river.” King Solomon, the Midrash tells us, was mystified by this verse.
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