We All Will Die, But We Must Be Grateful
Sukkot is known in Rabbinic tradition as the "Festival of Our Joy" (Z'man Simchateinu, a name that derives from Leviticus 23:40: "You shall rejoice before the Eternal your God seven days"). Sukkot is the only festival for which the command to rejoice is given. It is a commandment — a mitzvah: us'mach'tem — "be happy!"
Emor for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
Collective Responsibility, One for All and All for One
Nitzavim comes in the cycle of Torah readings just before Rosh HaShanah and is particularly appropriate for the High Holidays because it stresses the importance of repentance. The tone of the passage is at once both lofty and terrifying.
It begins with Moses' inspiring address to the entire people of Israel shortly before he is to die, "You stand this day (Atem nitzavim hayom), all of you, before the Eternal your God — you tribal heads, you elders, and you officials, all the men of Israel, you children, you women, even the stranger within your camp, from woodchopper to water drawer" (Deuteronomy 29:9-10).
Chol HaMo-eid Sukkot: A Tabernacle of Torah for Everyone
It was a quiet Jerusalem day at the Wall, one of those brutally hot June afternoons with the sun beating down on the sandy hues of Jerusalem stone. The day seemed familiar yet something was different.
Vayishlach for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
In this parasha, Jacob and Esau are going to meet, possibly to fight, but first Jacob meets someone who tells him of his great future. Jacob is renamed Israel (which means “one who wrestles with God”) and goes to meet Esau, and they have a joyous reunion. Isaac then dies, and sadly, so does Rachel as she gives birth to her last child. Listen to learn more about the family.
A Different Type of Sukkah
I hate camping. The thought of sleeping on the hard ground among the bugs makes my skin crawl.
V’zot Hab’rachah for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
Moses blesses the tribes. Listen to this rap to hear a summary of things we’ve learned before Moses says his last words.
Chol HaMo-eid Sukkot for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
The Israelites are given more commandments and make a pact. Listen to this fun rap about the holiday.
Vayigash for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
Listen in to this parasha as Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and their father finds out! The whole family is allowed to go back to live in Goshen, but it won’t end there! Listen now!
R’eih for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
In this parasha, God explains blessings and curses, and when you receive each. Moses then discusses laws of worship and sacrifices during the Pilgrimage Festivals. Listen in to hear what these holidays are.