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Hashem's Ways are Straight	show hide	Shabbat Shuva: The Eternal Message	4	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this final class on the Haftora of Shabbat Shuva, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the centrality of Eretz Yisrael and the meaning of the verse 'Hashem's ways are straight'.  The lesson for us is to take every circumstance in life and utilize it to better serve Hashem.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva, Yom Kippur Class: Shabbat Shuva: The Eternal Message Class Number: 4 of 4 Time: 57:27 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Images of Hashem's Love for His People	show hide	Shabbat Shuva: The Eternal Message	3	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this Torah shiur (class) on the Haforah of Shabbat Shuva, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the beautiful imagery in the perek, as illustrations of G-d's eternal love for His people, Am Yisrael.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana, Tanach, Teshuva Class: Shabbat Shuva: The Eternal Message Class Number: 3 of 4 Time: 47:55 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Torah and Tefilla: Components of Teshuva	show hide	Shabbat Shuva: The Eternal Message	2	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this Torah shiur (class) on the essence of teshuva, based on the Haftara of Shabbat Shuva, Mrs. Shira Smiles demonstrates the important role of tefilla (prayer) and Torah study in enabling a person to repent completely.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana, Tanach, Teshuva Class: Shabbat Shuva: The Eternal Message Class Number: 2 of 4 Time: 52:14 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Harbingers of Blessing: A Practical Guide to the Simanim of Rosh Hashana	show hide	Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe	15	Rabbi Shimon Isaacson
In this interactive class on the simanim of Rosh Hashana, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson discusses the concept of eating symbolic foods during the evening meal of Rosh Hashana.   This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Holidays, Rosh HaShana Class: Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe Class Number: 15 of 17 Time: 22:23 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Rosh Hashana: Our Turn	show hide	Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe	15	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur (Torah class) on Rosh Hashana, Mrs. Shira Smiles raises some questions and answers to remind us of the basic ideas of the holiday.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva Class: Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe Class Number: 15 of 17 Time: 61:10 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Selichot: Keys to Forgiveness, Part I	show hide	Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe	14	Rabbi Avishai David
In this Torah shiur (class) on the Selichot prayers recited before Rosh Hashana and during the Yamim Noraim, Rabbi Avishai David presents an overview of Selichot. Rabbi David discusses the content of the Selichot, their themes, and their purpose. He also discusses why Selichot are recited at night and not during the day. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva Class: Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe Class Number: 14 of 17 Time: 52:18 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Elul, Rosh Hashana, and Yom Kippur for Children	show hide	Bringing Torah to Life: Deepening our Children's Jewish Experience	1	Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller
In this chinuch class on making Torah concepts real to children of all ages, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller guides parents on how to introduce children to the mindset of Elul and the themes of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur on three levels; early childhood, middle childhood, and teens.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva, Yom Kippur Class: Bringing Torah to Life: Deepening our Children's Jewish Experience Class Number: 1 of 14 Time: 51:30 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Intrinsic Purity of Every Jew	show hide	Shabbat Shuva: The Eternal Message	1	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this Torah shiur (class) on the Haftarah of Shabbat Shuva, Mrs. Shira Smiles begins the reading from Hoshea chapter 14.  In this class, we learn that teshuva/repentance is a dynamic process with Hashem, and that every Jew's soul is intrinsically pure, which means that even sin does not become part of its essence.  When embarking on the teshuva process, one should have an image of who they want to be, so that they have a goal to aspire to.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Inspiration, Rosh HaShana, Self-Improvement, Tanach, Teshuva Class: Shabbat Shuva: The Eternal Message Class Number: 1 of 4 Time: 52:17 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Elul: The Shofar's Wake Up Call	show hide	Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe	12	Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg
In this Torah shiur (class) on the month of Elul, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg connects the message of the blowing of the shofar, which is done every day of the month, to the essence of the month of Elul.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva Class: Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe Class Number: 12 of 17 Time: 50:55 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Power of Viddui	show hide	Repent! A Survey of Al Ha Teshuva	6	Rabbi Hershel Reichman
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman analyzes the essay concerning viddui (confession) in Rav Soleveitchik's sefer (book), Al Hateshuva. Viddui's unique characteristics lie in its halachik significance and its requirement in the teshuva process. Topics: Connecting to our Creator, Elul, Machshava, Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur Class: Repent! A Survey of Al Ha Teshuva Class Number: 6 of 6 Time: 98:18 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Joy of Remembrance	show hide	Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe	7	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Zichronot, the verses in the Rosh Hashana davening which focus on our remembrance rising up before Hashem.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Prayer, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva Class: Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe Class Number: 7 of 17 Time: 74:28 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Path to Teshuva, Part 2	show hide	Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe	8	Rabbi Hanoch Teller
Rabbi Hanoch Teller continues his theme of Teshuva, repentance, in this shiur (class).  The class discusses examples of true teshuva, and a discussion of what can be expected of us over the Days of Awe.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva Class: Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe Class Number: 8 of 17 Time: 31:22 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Hilchot Teshuva	show hide	Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe	6	Rabbi Shimon Isaacson
This shiur (class) on Rosh Hashana and Teshuva (repentance) by Rabbi Shimon Isaacson is packed with halachot (laws) and hashkafot (perspectives) relating to the call of the day.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva Class: Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe Class Number: 6 of 17 Time: 46:44 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Path to Teshuva, Part I	show hide	Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe	5	Rabbi Hanoch Teller
In this shiur (class) on Teshuva, Rabbi Hanoch Teller outlines the path to true repentance.  Peppered with inspirational, poignant, and humorous stories, the theme of Teshuva is masterfully illustrated with real life examples.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva Class: Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe Class Number: 5 of 17 Time: 29:02 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Standing Before G-d	show hide	Insights of the Chassidic Masters	1	Rabbi Moshe Weinberger
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Moshe Weinberger begins learning the essay of the Alter Rebbe, Reb Shneur Zalman of Liadi, which deals with Rosh HaShana, as discussed in the Sefer Chassidus M'vueres. The themes of Malchiyot, Shofrot, and Zichronot are analyzed.  The shiur discusses the nekuda pnimis, the inner essence, of Rosh Hashana, which is revealing our internal recognition of Hashem as King.  The essay also discusses the Jewish People as a unified entity who can rise above their normally lowly level to reach the level of standing Lifnei Hashem, 'Before G-d'. Topics: Chassidut, Elul, Holidays, Prayer, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva Class: Insights of the Chassidic Masters Class Number: 1 of 10 Time: 51:04 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Elul: Roses of Love	show hide	Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe	3	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Shira Smiles examines three different acronyms used to describe the month of Elul.  In this class, Mrs. Smiles focuses on the verse, "Ani Ledodi V'dodi Li." This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana Class: Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe Class Number: 3 of 17 Time: 57:11 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Returning to Our Essence	show hide	Repent! A Survey of Al Ha Teshuva	5	Rabbi Hershel Reichman
Rabbi Hershel Reichman delves into Rabbi Soleveitchik's essay on Kaparah (atonement)  and Tahara (purification), in his classic work, Al HaTeshuva. The uniquness of the teshuva process on Yom Kippur lies within the added dimension of Tahara, when one sincerely repents. Topics: Connecting to our Creator, Elul, Machshava, Rosh HaShana, Teshuva, Yom Kippur Class: Repent! A Survey of Al Ha Teshuva Class Number: 5 of 6 Time: 55:00 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Shofar: A Call to Return	show hide	Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates!	2	Rabbi Michael Taubes
Rabbi Taubes discusses the significance of the Shofar that is blown during the Rosh HaShanah davening. The shofar is a wake up call to renew ourselves and re-examine our unique potential at the start of a new year.  Though it is a mitzvah like any other, there is also an emotional aspect that is ingrained in the act of the mitzvah, which forces every person to be alone with his inner thughts as the shofar is sounded.  There are two types of sounds discussed in the Talmud - a Tekiah, a flat even sound, and a Teruah, a broken sound.  These different sounds contain a paradoxical message, on the one hand, serenity reflected in the even sound of the Tekiah, and on the other hand, the panic and fear conveyed in the broken sound of the Teruah.  The ultimate message is a positive one, turning the fear of judgement into a moment of Mercy and Friendship with G-d.  The shofar also represents G-d's Presence, hinting to us that He is Nearer to us, bringing a confluence of excitement and tension.  The shofar allows us to handle these conflicting emotions in a positive manner. Rabbi Taubes also discusses the custom to eat the simanim, the signs, of Rosh Hashana, such as sweet foods, pomegranates, apples, and other assorted vegetables.  Rabbi Taubes explains the inner meaning what a sign is, demonstrating our closeness to Hashem.  Our non-verbal communication with Him through the shofar or the eating of the signs of Rosh Hashana are an indicator of our intimate relationship with G-d. Shofar is the only commandment that is performed in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei.  This, along with the shape of the shofar, is a proof that shofar blowing is a form of prayer, albeit a non-verbal one. Topics: Elul, Holidays, Rosh HaShana Class: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates! Class Number: 2 of 6 Time: 67:25 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Elul: Island of Refuge	show hide	Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe	2	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur (Torah class), Mrs. Shira Smiles examines three different acronyms used to describe the month of Elul. In this class, Mrs. Smiles focuses on the verse, "Ina Le'yado, V'Samti Lecha". Mrs. Smiles explains how Elul is the place we run to when we realize how inadequate our service of Hashem has become. Through ELul, Hahem fill the vacuum created by our failings, an helps us to rise to our true potential. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Elul, Rosh HaShana Class: Elul and Rosh Hashana: Days of Closeness and Awe Class Number: 2 of 17 Time: 60:55 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Themes of Rosh HaShana	show hide	Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates!	1	Rabbi Michael Taubes
In the first class of the series, Rabbi Taubes discusses the obligation for prayer.  He points out that Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur as times of great need, and are therefore specifically designated as days of prayer.  However, these days are also deemed as days of joy.  Rabbi Taubes discusses the conflicting and complementary themes of Rosh Hashana.  These themes can be learned from delving into the meaning of the names of Rosh Hashana.  Rabbi Taubes then goes into the actual davening of Rosh Hashana, and explains the changes at the beginning of the Rosh Hashana davening.  The class explicates the addition of 'zachrenu l'chaim' to the first bracha of Shemoneh Esrei and  the expanded bracha of Hamelech Hakadosh.  Rabbi Taubes continues the shiur with a discussion of the middle bracha of the Rosh Hashana davening, which summarizes the theme of the day.  The shiur ends with the explanation of Rav Soloveitchik for why Psalm 24 is recited after the Rosh Hashana Amida, and the message of Psalm 27, 'l'Dovid Hashem Ori', which is recited from Rosh Chodesh Elul through Yom Kippur. Topics: Elul, Holidays, Prayer, Rosh HaShana Class: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Davening: Open the Gates! Class Number: 1 of 6 Time: 68:36 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)