Yom Kippur

Acharei Mos – Biding the Time

Why is the concept of the Avodah-service of the High Priest on Yom Kippur sandwiched between the death of Nadav and Avihu and the forbidden relationships? What does the midrash mean when it says Nadav and Avihu wanted the ‘old guys’ to move on so they could take over? What is the concept of ‘sustaining…

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Tetzaveh – Passageway to Eternity

Why is the description of the incense altar left until after the entire construction of the mishkan? Why does it only speak of Ahron, the high priest, if it is permitted for any Kohen to perform that service? What is the special power of the ketores to bring joy and banish the forces of evil?…

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Vayelech-Yom Kippur – Song of Repentance

What is the concept of the song of Haazinu? If it is filled with words of rebuke, how can it qualify as a song? What is special about Yom Kippur which draws even the most unaffiliated Jew back to the synagogue? What is the communal song of forgiveness that we all sing on Yom Kippur?…

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Succos – Full Reflection

What is the difference between the approach on Succos as opposed to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? How is that reflected in the moon’s appearance? What is the parallel between the s’chach that covers the succah and the aravos? What is the concept of the cloud? Find out in this week’s parsha podcast. Running Time:…

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Yom Kippur – Renewing Commitment

Why is the death of Nadav and Avihu the preface to the High Priest’s service on Yom Kippur? How does one relate to the transgressions one has done, and the distance he has created between himself and God? How does one use the power of commitment to move past the ‘seven falls’ and ‘stand up?’…

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Vaeschanan – Expanding and Defining Borders

Why is Moshe not allowed to enter into Eretz Yisrael despite his 515 entreaties? What is the concept of him looking into the land? Why do we switch out of mourning on the 9th of Av and straight into joy and relationship? What is the parallel between the month of Tammuz that seems to extend…

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Yom Kippur and Unity (Am Echad!)

Why is the concept of unity so central to Yom Kippur? Why does the High Priest bring an incense offering in the holiest of holies? What is the power of song in bringing us to repentance? Find out in this week’s parsha podcast. Running time: 10:43 And… if you haven’t seen the Am Echad video…

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Acharei-Kedoshim – Balancing Spiritual and Physical

Why does the Torah preface the avodah of Yom Kippur with the mention of the death Aharon’s sons, Nadav and Avihu? Why does the high priest keep changing his garments during his service on Yom Kippur? If the white garments represent absolute humility, why doesn’t he wear them the whole time? If the gold garments…

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Acharei – Seducing the Satan

Why do we seem to offer a sacrifice to the Other Side on Yom Kippur? Why does the atonement occur then? Why do we offer the exact same type of animal to Hashem as to the Other Side? Is Yakov sincere in his gift to Esav and his admission that Esav should have the blessings?…

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Yom Kippur – Bribing the Satan

What is the secret of the goat that was sent to the wilderness? How can we conceive of the concept of a bribe for the Satan? What is the parallel to the story of Yakov and Esav? How does this apply to our unique times? Find out in this week’s Parsha Podcast. Running time: 22:39

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