The way our calendar is structured, Rosh Hashana cannot begin on a Sunday, Wednesday or Friday. The Ashkenazic custom is for us to begin reciting the Selichos – penitential prayers – on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashana, provided that Rosh Hashana begins on a Thursday or Shabbos. If Rosh Hashana begins on a Monday …
Tag: Nitzavim
Sep 27
Tradition, Tradition!
(Torah Portion Nitzavim/VaYailech) Tradition, Tradition! The Talmud records a conversation between the Romans and Rebbe Yehoshua. The Romans asked: “From where in the Written Torah do we see that G-d will bring the dead alive and that G-d knows the future?” Rebbe Yehoshua answered, that both are hinted at in a verse in this week’s …
Sep 27
Upgrade Available!
(Torah Portion Nitzavim/Vayailech) Upgrade Available! This is the last Shabbos of the year 5773, which brings with it many opportunities. The Talmud teaches us, “The way we finish something off, has the most significant impact.” Thus, if we give special attention to the holiness and sanctity of this Shabbos, it affects our standing regarding all …
Sep 27
L’Shana Tova to You and Yours
(Torah Portion Nitzavim) L’Shana Tova to You and Yours! There are times when it is important to take a step back and assess the difference between our observances and those of the rest of the world so that we recognize, appreciate and are grateful for what we have and what we are all about. Two …
Sep 27
Right Here
(Torah Portion Nitzavim ) Right Here! Mendel, a known vagabond in the Brooklyn area, was content with the condition of his life, a life that would have been unbearable for just about anyone else. When Mendel became weak and frail, a generous and caring family took him into their nursing facility and provided him with …
Sep 14
Dance
Weekly Torah Portions: Nitzavim / Vayailech 23 Elul 5777 – September 14, 2017 Selichos prayers begin Saturday night At the very end of our leader Moshe’s life, G-d commanded him to write “The song of Torah,” and to teach it to the children of Israel. Our Sages tell us that Moshe wrote 13 Torah scrolls, …