Healthy Yom Kippur fasting

Cornell University has published tips for healthy Yom Kippur fasting. If you will be fasting for Yom Kippur, please follow the link below for tips:

Forgiveness: Mary Klaus

Mary Klaus writes that sincerely asking forgiveness is difficult for most: it is inherently humbling. You have to confront uncomfortable truths about yourself. It is also challenging is that you must prepare yourself to not be forgiven.

Nitzavim: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Rabbi Sacks asks the question: Why Judaism? In Exodus, at Sinai, our forefathers said, “All that the Lord has spoken we shall do…”. Now, at the end of Moses’ life, he has to ensure that all future generations will also be bound by the covenant.

To the Third and Fourth Generations

There is a contradiction in the passage of the 13 attributes, describing God’s compassion, as well as holding descendants responsible for their parents’ wrongdoing. 

Detailed Source Sheet On Shofar Blowing

During Elul, it is a reminder of what it means to be a Jew and to have received the Torah. It is also a wake-up call, a call for yeshivah. To read the whole article, please follow this link:

Protecting Captives of War – Ki Tetze

Rabbi Chaim Ovadia writes an interesting article about the treatment of female captives. He develops the theme that the men in power have the right to violate the female captive, as long as they simply follow certain protocols.

Come Together in Song with Cantor Marsha Attie of Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco

Getting ready for High Holy Days – Please check out this beautiful rendition of Or Zarua by Cantor Marsha Attie

Sigal Samuel of American Jewish World Service

Author Sigal Samuel posted an article on Deuteronomy 22:5, which addresses the Biblical prohibition against cross dressing.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Sermon & Song — Rabbi-Cantor Cheri Weiss

As we approach the High Holy Days, please check out this video recorded by Rabbi Cantor Cheri Weiss entitled “Holy, Holy, Holy” for Yom Kippur.

Environmental Responsibility

In Shoftim, Rabbi Sacks teaches us that while some commandments are so narrow that they may not effectively be fulfilled, others are so broad that they cannot be ignored. The laws governing conduct during a siege against an enemy, such as preserving trees, are examples of the latter category.