Listen: The Power of Tekiah Gedolah
“Wake up, wake up, you sleepers from your sleep, and awake you slumberers from your slumber.” (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4)
Yom Kippur Worship Services: Haftarah Blessings
The blessing after the reading of haftarah always sanctifies the day on which it is read. Throughout most of the year, that day is Shabbat, but haftarah is also read on the High Holidays.
Countdown to Tishah B'Av: A Primer on the Three Weeks
If you use a Jewish calendar, you may have noticed this notation: “Tzom Tammuz,” the Fast of Tammuz. Read on to learn about the fast and what it signifies.
Avinu Malkeinu
"Our Father, Our King"/"Our Parent, Our Ruler" A prayer (and song) chanted during the High Holiday period. Describes two simultaneous ways in which people might relate to God: the intimate relationship of a parent and the powerful awe of a ruler.
chet
"Missing the mark;" a Hebrew term for sin.
g'mar chatimah tovah
"A good final sealing;" a High Holiday greeting used between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. Often abbreviated as g'mar tov.
High Holidays
Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur
The Exile of Tishah B’Av: What Is It We're Mourning?
The Jewish holiday of Tishah B’Av is the date on which both the First and Second Temples were destroyed, and a date to reflect on what it means to live in exile.
What Can We Learn From the Juxtaposition of Joy and Sorrow?
Several times during the year, the Jewish calendar places joyous and challenging holidays near each other. What lessons we take from this juxtaposition?
All of Life's Ninths of Av
I have a story to tell you. It’s about a tiny bird. But I’ll come back to that.