Shmini Atzeret - Simchat Torah 5779

Elevated Priorities

Rabbi Asher Weiss, shlita relates an incident that happened one year, during the Simchat Torah dancing. Rabbi Yisrael, a respected, learned older man, was greatly enjoying the exalted atmosphere. He sang along heartily with the rest of the congregation, savoring the opportunity to display his great love for the Torah. One of the other congregants approached Rabbi Yisrael, and handed him a Torah scroll. Rabbi Yisrael’s heart leapt, at the opportunity to dance with the Torah on this special day. He clutched the scroll tightly, as teared welled up in his eyes.

Sukkot - Megilat Kohelet 5779

“I provided myself with various musical instruments… it was clear that it was all futile” (Kohelet 2:8-11)

Radio Interference

The students had arrived earlier that day, bearing expressions of confidence, seriousness and excitement. They filed into their dorm rooms, and began unpacking freshly washed clothing, delicately scented with fabric softener and wistful prayers for a good school year.

That evening, the entire student body gathered together, for the first assembly of the year. The principal went through the usual welcome, review of policies, procedures, and other miscellany. Before the meeting ended, he added one final note.

Sukkot 5779

Undercover Mitzva

Yossi and Leah had been planning for weeks. The logistics, the cooking, the packing, the traveling. It would all be worth it once they arrived in Jerusalem for Sukkot, and had the opportunity to spend the holiday there. Yossi had spoken with the owner of the apartment which Yossi and Leah would rent, and the owner had assured Yossi that he had a fully kosher sukkah, which would be set up and ready for use.

Shabbat Shuvah 5779

Every person must engage in acts of kindness and have mercy on others, and as a result of this, his sins will be atoned, as it says "with kindness and truth sins will be atoned," and they will have mercy on him from Heaven, and increase his life, as our sages said "all who have mercy on others, they have mercy on him from Heaven."

(Mishneh Berurah, Laws of Yom Kippur, 615, se'if 6 2, Sha'ar Hatziyun)

Charity Clarity

(From the book Kol Mishalotecha, parshat Vayera)

Yossi is a very busy man. However, he makes sure to take some time out of every week to help people who are going through a tough time. The local social service agency knows him well, and regularly refers him to families in need.

Rosh-Hashana 5779

Sound Effect

(Based on Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim section 2)

Shacharit prayers had just ended. The congregants stood in their places expectantly, eyes focused eagerly on the men standing at the bima. Many held their fingers in place in their machzorim, pointing to the prayers recited before the blowing of the shofar.