I just love this time of year! But I must confess, even though it falls at the same time each year, I always feel so rushed in preparing for it. You would think something that comes the same time every year would eventually become something that doesn’t surprise us in its coming. Right? Yet, I
“God, God, benevolent God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in kindness and truth; He preserves kindness for two thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and He cleanses.” (Words of the Amidah according to Exodus 34:6-7) On this Yom Kippur, May you always be reminded it is the Compassion of God which
“Light is sown for the righteous, and for the upright in heart—joy.” Yom Tov, a festive day; for although we stand prepared to be judged in the supernal courtroom for our deeds of the past year, we are confident that God is a merciful judge, and will decree a year of life, health and prosperity
Hatznei’a…, “Walk discreetly with your God” One must take care not to be conspicuous or ostentatious in the slightest. It is said, “Man should always be artful in piety.” The artfulness lies in seeing that his piety not be noticed at all. We know that a number of the early Chassidim concealed their true selves,
B’chol…, “In all your ways, know Him.” A person who sets his heart and mind to observe all that happens to him and around him, will perceive Godliness tangibly in evidence. Men of affairs have an advantage over secluded scholars, in that the former can witness actual manifestations of Godliness. This form of the service
