Holidays
The Torah, being a Divine document, is inherently infinite, containing layers of meaning, without an end. On the surface, it may have a superficial component (p’shat) but it only begins there. Imagine surface waters that appear isolated when viewed from above; yet all these waters connect and merge, unseen, beneath the surface. So too, with Torah concepts and events: on one level, there are separations; on another level, it’s all connected.
One good example of how this works and how it can be applied is the two-volume set entitled Festive Chapters. With a foundation in all the sacred times of the Jewish year – Sabbath and Festivals – the author explores a vast variety of Torah concepts, events, and personalities that reveal layers of meaning and understanding that reflects upon the Torah’s infinite wisdom.
In-depth analysis highlights every page of these profound essays that take you around the Jewish year as it offers readers a newfound appreciation of the connection between the Oral and Written Torah.
Imagine you’re sitting in front of your holy Chanukah candles, taking in their amazing radiance. Then, unexpectedly, you hear a knock on the door. You open the door and a brilliant light shines into your home - a tzaddik has come to visit you. You sit down with him and begin to tell him what you’re going through. He responds to you in such a way that comforts you and awakens a yearning for Hashem in your heart.
You learn together with the tzaddik, and you realize that his teachings can completely transform your life. Afterwards, the tzaddik says he has to go, and he invites you to follow him outside the door. You build up your courage, and leave your home...
Just then, the tzaddik lifts you up, and you start flying with him in the sky!
This is a glimpse into the Chanukah vision by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov that gives us new hope, brings us closer to the great tzaddikim, and inspires us to find Hashem in all aspects of our lives.
Mimini Mikhael - Essays on Yom Kippur and Teshuvah
• The Jews finally have permission to return from exile. But how can Achikam leave his promising future in Bavel and head out to the unknown? • Yonasan Hakohen dreams of performing the mitzvah of terumas hadeshen in the newly rebuilt Beis HaMikdash. Will he make it to the top of the Mizbei’ach before the other Kohanim? • In his vital mission in besieged Jerusalem, Todros encounters many men, Jews and Romans. But are they friend or foe? They were four centuries that have marked our people’s destiny until today – the years of the Jews’ return to Eretz Yisrael, the glory days of the Second Beis HaMikdash, the terrible times that brought its destruction. This tumultuous era comes to vivid life in The Return to Yerushalayim – a unique blend of engrossing fiction stories set against the backdrop of true historical events. The stories, arranged in chronological order, rely heavily on Torah sources – Mishnah, Gemara, Midrashim – as well as more recent books on Jewish history written from a Torah perspective. Every story concludes with historical notes, giving fascinating information about the period. Seeing life in the times of the Beis HaMikdash through the eyes of this book’s varied and fascinating characters will surely awaken our yearning for its rebuilding.
When it comes to blowing shofar, you've definitely got what it takes - as long as you have this easy-to-use, informative, and innovative guide. This illustrated, step-by-step manual walks you through every step in the procedure: from selecting a shofar, to good posture and breathing, to perfecting every distinctive shofar sound. Includes a pictorial guide to the pertinent sugya in Rosh Hashanah 26-27, along with relevant halachos, minhagim, and advice from the experts. Teka BeShofar clearly demonstrates that everyone can develop, or further perfect, their skills. So whether you’re a beginner or wish to perfect your skills, pick up a copy - and start blowing today!