Holidays

How the Jewish New Year is celebrated and what it tells us about every human being and our relationship to G-d.

The deepest things can only be said in the simplest ways.

The centerpiece of Rosh Hashanah is blowing the shofar, why do we specifically use the ram’s horn?

A short listing of the traditional, symbolic foods eaten on Rosh Hashanah eve.

A very concise listing of the symbolism behind the mitzvah to hear the shofar blasts on Rosh Hashanah.

A central theme in the High Holiday prayers are the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. Discover their deeper significance, mystical meaning and the powerful energy uncovered in calling forth G-d’s mercy.

We are all familiar with the themes of regret, repentance and confession associated with this time of year, yet there’s a more integral element we must first embrace if we want these days to truly be meaningful. (Filmed at Aventura Chabad in Miami, Florida in 2015)

World renowned trombonist, Haim Avitsur, demonstrates his technique for sounding the ram's horn instrument known as a shofar.

Rosh Hashanah is not just the start of a new calendar year; it is the renewal of G‑d’s interest in our world that comes as a result of our accepting Him as King.

A short film conveying a Rosh Hashanah message with humor.

Rabbi Itche Kadoozy attempts to deliver a Rosh Hashanah message. 255 times.

Just a regular, run-of-the-mill Itche Kadoozy video about the meaning of Rosh Hashannah. Except with lots of bee jokes. Don't worry, we made the video and it still doesn't quite make sense to us.

That first day of school, your first job interview, your first day in your own home, the first day of the rest of your life...

What parent can resist the desperate cries of his or her child? The call of the shofar is our raw guttural cry to our Father in Heaven.

Rosh Hashanah is the day each year when we reaffirm and deepen our allegiance to G-d. The sounding of the shofar gives expression to our 'coronation' of G-d as our personal Monarch and as the Supreme King of Kings of all creation. This class will address the puzzling fact that nary a hint of this is to be found in Scripture where we are enjoined to observe this sacred day. (Based on various sources in Chassidic literature.)

A preview of the stimulating and moving events of the month of Tishrei, the Jewish New Year.

A deeper look into the meanings and customs of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year: From crowning G-d as our king to blowing the Shofar and dipping apple into honey.

The High Holidays are often approached with fear, but a closer look reveals an inner core of divine intimacy along with human empowerment and illumination.

Miri tells the story of a neshamah that came down to earth to shine light, but got into big trouble instead—and how a shofar rescued the neshamah from despair.

If you had one wish to be granted by G‑d ... what would it be?

The meaning and symbolism behind the shape of the ram’s horn sounded on Rosh Hashanah.

The shofar as a poignant reminder and symbol of the ram that replaced Isaac at the Akeidah.

Discover the different kinds of shofars used on Rosh Hashanah the world over and get an inside look into how they’re crafted.

Joey and his pals find themselves stranded underwater just as Rosh Hashanah is about to begin!

The holiday of Rosh Hashanah marks the New Year, a time of renewal and change; yet the beginning of the yearly cycle also contains the polar theme of steadfast resolve and continuity.

Rosh Hashanah is like brain surgery. Every little action can have an enormous impact.

A virtual tour across five continents

Explore the five levels of the soul and discover how we access the deepest level on this holiest day of the entire year.

What is Yom Kippur all about? Unpack layers of meaning embedded in the requirement that we neither eat nor drink for the duration of this most holy and solemn of days.

Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the calendar, is a day of atonement which is observed chiefly through fasting.

On why we wear only non-leather footwear on Yom Kippur.

No one is perfect, so when Yom Kippur comes and we are told that we can atone for all our sins and start again with a clean slate, it seems like a pretty good deal.

Join thousands in song and reflection, as we take a soul journey inspired by traditional High Holiday tunes, and a powerful and intimate talk about the significance of Yom Kippur.

Join together before the Yom Kippur, as we remember our loved ones in a traditional Yizkor memorial webcast. Featuring a Yizkor sermon by prolific speaker Rabbi Yossi Goldman and music and song led by world renowned singer Benny Friedman.

In our prayers, the verse “Shema Yisrael” is followed by a verse that appears nowhere in the Torah. What is its origin? Why do we whisper it all year long, and why do we say it out loud on Yom Kippur?

In this pre-Yom Kippur sermon, Rabbi Goldman addresses the sanctity and significance of Yizkor service—the memorial prayer for loved ones.

Ari discovers that multiple connections have their limitations—especially when attempting to achieve at-oneness.

One of the emotional peaks of the Yom Kippur prayer service is a description of the ceremony performed by the High Priest in the Holy Temple.

What is the origin of this ancient prayer? Why does Jewish tradition lend so much weight and solemnity to this seemingly technical prayer of vow-annulment procedure? A historical, musical and inspirational perspective on one of the most important and holiest prayers of the year.

A central theme in the High Holiday prayers are the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. Discover their deeper significance, mystical meaning and the powerful energy uncovered in calling forth G-d’s mercy.

A father gives love; a king makes demands. Why do we need both?

One of the most poignant moments of the High-Holiday prayers is the recital of the liturgical poem, Unessanneh Tokef. What is its significance? Who composed it, and under what circumstances?

Why read about the Jewish people’s enemy on Yom Kippur; a day that represents the intimate bond between the Jewish soul and G-d?

The value of community in times of grief as well as joy.

The Torah describes Yom Kippur as the Sabbath of Sabbaths. Discover the double dimension of this most holy day on the Jewish calendar.

During Temple times, atonement on Yom Kippur was achieved through the once-a-year unique ritual of the offerings of the identical goats. However, each individual was obligated to personally repent for the sacrifices to be effective. In addition, Maimonides rules that the very day of Yom Kippur affords – then and now – atonement with the provision that the individual 'returns'. This class will explain all four components: 1) the sacrifice, 2) repentance, 3) the contribution of Yom Kippur and, 4) the meaning of 'return'. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 27)

The highlight of Yom Kippur in Temple times was the High Priest’s service in the “Holy of Holies.” What does this holiest day of the year mean to us today even in diaspora?

Understanding the mitzvah of teshuvah, more than just repentance, rather returning to G-d, explained on five levels.

An exploration of the origins of this prayer; unpacking its legal and mystical dimensions.

On Yom Kippur we can experience a spiritual high and transcendent inspiration, but how do we avoid the disappointing crash that may follow this extraordinary high? What can we do to keep the inspiration going for the rest of the year?

A practical look at how to forgive people -- especially those closest to us -- after they have caused us harm.

Learn an amazingly simple secret for healing yourself and all of your relationships this new year.

Why the rabbi praised the man who was drunk on Yom Kippur.

Sukkot is a Jewish holiday celebrated by taking off work, celebrating in a hut, and waving unusual bouquets. This video will give you the whole story.

Once a year the synagogue becomes a dance floor and the Torah becomes our dance partner.

On Sukkot we shake the lulav and etrog. Learn how to do this mitzvah of taking “the four kinds”.

The beauty of “the four kinds” is the etrog, the citron fruit. What distinguishes the etrog from an ordinary lemon?

Get an up-close look on how to build a sukkah, the temporary dwelling used on Sukkot.

On Sukkot we move from our living and dining room to the sukkah; dicover how and why this is done.

The "four kinds" taken on Sukkot are each very different, yet in their different-ness they teach us a profound lesson in oneness.

What special rituals are performed on the holiday of Sukkot? How does one perform them? What are some of the deeper reasons for doing what we do? An expert in Jewish law gives an overview of the lulav and etrog, eating in a sukkah, and other Sukkot-related observances.

Who doesn't want more happiness in their lives? The holiday of Sukkot teaches us the secret key for making joy more accessible throughout the year!

Discover the difference in the unity represented by the Four Kinds versus the unity of the Sukkah. And learn the spiritual reason behind the Chabad custom to shake the Lulav specifically in the Sukkah.

The power of the sukkah to release us from our emotional attachments to the material world and make us available for intimate relationships with others.

Do you know what to look for when buying an etrog? Learn more than the mere difference between a lemon and an etrog, familiarize yourself with what’s the ideal etrog, and become an educated etrog consumer.

An overview of the laws for constructing a kosher sukkah.

On Simchat Torah we complete the yearly cycle of Torah readings, and celebrate by dancing with the Torah.

Ezy, Eli, Dina and the newest character, Rina, try to come up with ideas to make the world's greatest sukkah and learn an important lesson in the process.

Sometimes, in our attempt to be happy, we focus on ourselves. The holiday of Sukkot teaches us that to be in a state of joy, one must move beyond oneself.

How the mitzvah of building a sukkah is performed in three epochs of history: before the giving of the Torah, after the giving of the Torah and after Moshiach comes.

The movements we make with the Four Kinds each day of Sukkot are a meditation on bringing our emotions into balanced harmony. This meditation is grounded in the kavanot of the Ari, as explained in the siddur of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi.

Using exclusively licensed technology from KabbalaLabs Disincorporated, the latest device in time-travel is now being marketed to the public by Infinity Labs Intergalactical. Inexpensive and easy to construct in your own backyard, the Super Sukkah will prove a big hit for the entire family, friends, hornets and in-laws.

Rabbi Dan Roth shows us how to leave our problems at the doorstep of the sukkah, and let G‑d be our “Ultimate Shelter.”

A wonderful story that illustrates how every moment in life is an opportunity to do a mitzvah

A Happy Sukkot message from the "Sukkah-Cycle."

The common theme contained in the High-Holidays and the festivals of Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

The mitzvah of dwelling in the sukkah returns us to simpler values and simpler times.

What to do when you don't have a suitable yard or balcony for a sukkah? You can make it on the back of a truck! This short video shows how it's done.

The mystery of a missing letter vav in the verse that talks about shaking the lulav (Leviticus 23:40) and in the verse commanding us to dwell in the sukkah (23:42).

Filmed during Sukkot at the Western Wall, visitors to Judaism's most holy site show what it looks like to perform the mitzvah of being happy.

What is the story behind this popular Jewish holiday? Watch this short 3-minute video to learn how good overcame evil, light won over darkness, and miracles triumphed over morass.

We know the facts on why we celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. But is that all? Could it be that the inner meaning of the holiday has been hidden from plain sight?

Simple-to-follow instructions on how to do the mitzvah of lighting the menorah on Chanukah.

Let's bust some urban legends about this wintertime holiday.

Watch talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Chanukah and vintage footage of the Rebbe participating in Chanukah rallies.

On the 24th of Kislev (according to most views) the Maccabees succeeded in expelling the occupying Greek army. On the 25th of Kislev the Jews discovered the pure cruse of oil. On the 26th of Kislev the miracle of the oil lasting beyond one day became manifest. This class will explain the spiritual and personal significance of these events. (Maamor V'Atoh B'rachamecho 5748)

Explore the inner meaning of Chanukah and the mystical dimension of the Maccabees and the different characters in the Chanukah story from Matisyahu the High Priest to the heroine Yehudis.

The dreidel teaches us how to break out of preconceived notions in how we view our world, ourselves, and others.

Why the Talmudic sages chose to omit the miraculous military victory from the Chanukah celebration.

Discover the importance of the menorah and how, when and where to light it.

A morning sun rises in fiery splendor; a newborn baby enters the world. We witness miracles everyday and may sometimes take them for granted.

With the aid of a 3D molecular printer, Ari may have replicated the original Chanukah miracle. Or has he? Just how paradoxical is this miracle?

Just another country song about a regular Jewish guy who meets up with four rabbis in their menorah-mobile.

The Tzlil V’zemer Children’s Choir presents a favorite Chanukah song, “Oh Chanukah.”

The story behind a precious picture of the Chanukah lights that became a symbol of defiance and resolve.

Ezy, Eli, Dina and Rina explore their inner “super powers” to spread light in the world.

A little light chases away a lot of darkness.

History and facts on Chanukah with Ezi.

Watch our Jewish crafting guru, Abbey, demonstrate how to create a menorah masterpiece using baby food jars.

Join Abbey in decorating an apron or T-shirt using a technique from the pros!

Jono enters a donut eating contest, Gefilte Fish orders two thousand plastic dreidels from China and Rabbi Kadoozy gets a permit for a menorah lighting.

Rabbi Kadoozy works on finding a way out of prison, Jono trains for his donut eating contest, and Gefilte Fish tries to sell his exploding dreidels to the government.

The action packed conclusion of the Itche Kadoozy Show Chanukah Mini-Series! Hilarity Ensues.

Jono sings a song about his favorite Chanukah tradition.

A rabbi, a college student, and a gefilte fish share their feelings about chanukah.

Talks by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on different themes of the Purim holiday.

Who says puppets are just for kids? Learn the Purim story, plus a life-lesson from an adorable team of animated puppets.

The four mitzvah items of the day will teach you what happened on Purim and how we celebrate.

A whimsical retelling of the events surrounding the Purim miracle – as it would have been reported by newscasters reporting from the Iron-Age.

The Rebbe offers a profound perspective on what Purim is all about. Discover how the real Purim joy lives outside of your personal life. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 16 Purim)

The story, the customs and the fun!

Despite being prized for her beauty, Queen Esther chose to appear before the king after a long and difficult fast. Why? Because she realized that the most important things are the ones that cannot be seen.

Jono talks about the miracle of Jewish survival and the four special mitzvot of Purim.

Even though we sometimes disagree, that which binds us together is stronger than that which tries to tear us apart.

Purim is super-Kabbalistic. After all, Purim is all about disguise, secrets and intrigue. And there’s no greater secret than who you really are. Actually, there is. It’s the secret of who is Feivel.

The holiday of Purim in the eyes of Rabbi Kadoozy, Jono and friends.

One of the four Purim observances is ‘mishloach manot’, sending a friend a food gifts. Here is how it’s done.

The four special mitzvahs of Purim all start with the letter “mem”: 1) Megillah, 2) Mishloach manot (sending food gifts to friends), 3) Matanot la’evyonim (charity to the poor), and 4) Mishteh (a festive meal). What is the deeper significance of this connection?

Visit a kosher bakery just before Purim as thousands of hamantashen—the preferred Purim treat—are prepared, and see what goes into making these delectable delights.

Watch and learn how a real Megillah is made as we visit a real Sofer - expert scribe.

Join the fun as we sing and dance our way through the holiday of Purim.

Experience the entire story of Purim in this interactive narrated slideshow that takes you through the story as it is written in the Megillah

The lesson of Purim is that we can discover G-d in the hidden miracles of everyday life.

Mordechai’s and Esther’s different roles in the Purim story, and their influence on the way in which the megillah was ultimately written and canonized as part of the Bible.

Study the Purim story from its original text, the Book of Esther, together with the classic commentaries.

What is the difference between Purim, which is celebrated on the 14th day of the month, and Passover and Sukkot which are celebrated on the 15th day of their respective months? The answer lies in the fact that the number fourteen in Hebrew is represented by the letters yud (10) and daled (4), which spell the word "yad" which means "hand."

One of the four special mitzvot to observe on the day of Purim is giving gifts to the poor. Why is this practice termed "gifts" (matanot) to the poor and not "charity" (tzedakah) as we might expect?

Portions of the scroll of Esther, read as it is read in the synagogue on Purim. Translated and explained in English. (This video contains highlights from the full-length version available from the producers, DiDan Studio.)

Prepare for Purim with a quick overview of a) the practical laws (halacha) of Purim, b) the Megillah story, and c) insights into the deeper meaning of the holiday.

This class deeply analyzes various passages where Maimonides describes the parameters for observing three of the special Purim mitzvahs: rejoicing at a feast, sending food gifts to friends, and giving monetary gifts to the poor. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 16, pp. 365-372)

A virtuous heroine. A wicked villain. It’s the ancient, true story of Queen Esther, brought vividly to life in a delightfully educational way.

The festival of Purim is named after the lots that the wicked Haman casted to determine the “best” date to carry out his evil scheme. In the end, however, the date proved to be propitious for the Jews. What is the connection between a lottery and Jewish survival?

Talks by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on a variety of themes that are related to the holiday of Passover.

Your one-stop primer on Passover’s rituals, history, meaning, and more.

Discover the reason behind all the perforations in Kosher for Passover matzah.

The young yeshiva student, with matzah in hand, set off to do the Rebbe’s mission.

The current Covid-19 crisis has made many of us feel deeply vulnerable and feaful. Yet, every crisis comes with opportunity. How can we prepare for the Festival of Freedom amid such pain, tragedy and anxiety? Join Rabbi Yosef Y. Jacobson for a transformative lecture. Learn how to turn fear into strength and vulnerbility into empowerment.

How many of these important Passover facts do you know?

There is a spot for every Jew at the Seder table.

An easy to follow guide how to make a Passover Seder all on your own.

Discover the history and rationale for the sale of chametz.

A quick presentation for preparing and arranging the items used at the Passover Seder.

There are two steps in the liberation of our people from Egypt, represented by the three matzahs and the four cups of wine at the seder.

Passover has three names, to represent the three key stages of revolutionary spiritual growth. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 17 Pesach)

The handmade “shmurah matzah” is prepared under exacting supervision – already from the time of harvest – and is made in great haste to avoid the possibility of becoming chametz.

Watch this cute short on the very basics of the holiday of Passover.

A fun art video on how to make a beautiful Passover painting of the three matzahs and four cups of wine, with the Splitting of the Sea as the background.

The requirement to eat bland, unleavened bread i.e. Matzah made exclusively from flour and water at the Seder, is unique to our observance. By contrast, at the original Seder in Egypt on the night before the Exodus, it was permissible to eat enriched matzah, i.e. flour mixed with fruit juice or egg. In explaining the reason for this difference, this class reveals the spiritual significance of matzah and its critical message for experiencing true personal growth.(Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 16, p. 122.)

A short and powerful message on the Festival of Freedom’s profound meaning to us today.

A one minute animation for Passover. (Video created by Rabbi Mordy Leimdorfer)

A cute little kid does funny stuff while his parents are getting ready for Passover.

Make your Passover experience more meaningful and discover the special significance behind the items on the Seder table.

Matzah, Maror and the 4 Cups talk about themselves, what they bring to the Passover seder, and their childhood experiences.

A deeper look at the four classic questions of the Passover Haggadah and their message to our times.

This class raises a number of disturbing difficulties with the opening paragraph of the Haggadah. The astounding answers provide new insight into the meaning of freedom and a new appreciation of Passover.

Study the Haggadah, the central text of the Passover Seder, line-by-line with explanations and commentary.

Rabbi Kadoozy desperately tries to prepare for the Passover Seder despite his flooded synagogue while Jono searches for Passover inspiration.

Matters continue to get worse as Jono finds himself enslaved on a peach plantation and Rabbi kadoozy becomes depressed over his ruined seder. Hilarity ensues.

Rabbi Kadoozy and Gefilte fish infiltrate the peach plantation to rescue Jono from slavery while Larry Goldstein stalls the community Seder in this exciting finale to the Itche Kadoozy Passover Mini-Series.

Unpack layers of Biblical and rabbinic text to understand the inner mechanics of this sometimes-overlooked but super-important holiday.

Every manufacturer creates a manual. What is the manual for life?

The Mitzvah ATM is about to dispense the Torah in honor of the holiday of Shavuot. One snag, though: It wants trustworthy guarantors...

G-d, who formed and created man and all that exists, shares His wisdom, understanding and knowledge with us through the Torah, enabling us to maximize our potential and fulfill our life's purpose.

Understanding the nature of differing opinions in Torah, and how the Halachic ruling does not favor one view and reject the other, but rather unites them both.

Ask any child what we celebrate on Shavuot, and the obvious answer is the giving of the Torah at Sinai; yet the Torah makes no mention of it. How do we make sense of this glaring omission?

A short overview of the customs and meaning of the holiday of Shavuot, celebrating the giving of the Torah.

Debunking the legal argument the angels used to try keep the Torah. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 18 Shavuos)

Jono learns a lesson about being humble when he has to dress up in a very cute little mountain costume and sing an adorable little song. Oh, and no monologues this week.

Join Eli, Ezzy and Dina on a quest around the universe

The Parshah Report this week has been preempted by an infomercial. Get your credit card ready.

Jono speaks to the American people about his "Moses '08" presidential campaign, which was first introduced in the Tzivos Hashem Kids! Magazine.

Two sages of the Talmud debate whether the Jews actually saw heavenly thunder at the giving of the Torah.

On Shavuot we celebrate the giving of the Torah through expressing our great appreciation of the Torah’s beauty.

Each holiday has its special mitzvah that is unique to the respective festival (like shofar on Rosh Hashana, matzah on Passover etc.). Yet, it seems we don’t find in the Torah any particular mitzvah for Shavuot?!

The historical completion of the first sefer Torah ever written -- in its entirety -- in the state of Florida ...with a personal statement from Governor Jeb Bush of Florida

The Torah is more than a history book. It is G-d’s instructions to humanity. It tells us how to maximize our potential on this earth.

An overview of some the unique customs associated with the holiday of Shavuot, along with their practical reasons and spiritual explanations.

Gain insight into the transformative nature of the giving of the Torah at Sinai.

The Jewish people studied Torah and observed its precepts long before they actually became obligated in them at Sinai. Moreover, the Ten Commandments were composed largely of laws already commanded to the non-Jewish world. What, then, was so important about the giving of the Torah at Sinai?

“G-d desired to bring merit upon the Jewish people; therefore He gave them Torah and Mitzvos in abundance.” G-d is certain that we will use the great opportunity He offers us to make Him proud. Thus laden with a treasure-load of good deeds, good words and good thoughts, we prepare ourselves to receive the Torah—in all its richness—on Shavuos.

In this day and age, women and girls–even very little girls–study parts of the Torah which in the past they’d rely on their husbands or brothers to know.

At the Giving of the Torah, G-d’s voice was heard throughout all of creation proclaiming, “I am the L-rd your G-d Who took you out of Egypt.” Is this really G-d’s greatest accomplishment? Why didn’t He say, “I have created heaven and earth?”

In the Talmud, there is a dispute between the sages as to what date the Torah was given at Sinai. According to one opinion, Moses added an extra day of preparation before the giving of the Torah. How could Moses depart from G-d's timeline?

Why Ezekiel’s vision of the “divine chariot” is the chosen haftorah reading on Shavuos, when it would appear that other scriptural passages that refer directly to the giving of the Torah would make a more appropriate choice, inasmuch as Ezekiel makes no such reference at all! (Based on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 33, p. 18.)

Shavuos celebrates the Giving of the Torah at Sinai. Jews in every generation gather to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments, for on this day they receive renewed strength in their mission to brighten G-d’s world.

Many claim to know what happened millions of years ago. Yet regarding what took place only over 3320 years ago, the giving of the Torah by G‑d, doubt is raised. If you’re in doubt, here’s something to consider.

Watch a visual presentation on the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple), the center of our nation and the place where we were closest to G-d. This webcast provides a general overview of the Temple’s magnificent structure and the awesome experience one encountered.

A live broadcast of a special Tisha B’Av program at The Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside in honor of the Surfside building collapse victims and survivors.

Explore the deeper mystical dimension of the 9th of Av, the meaning of our current state of exile, and the hope for the ultimate transformation in the future Redemption.

This class begins with a history of the three-week period of mourning for the Destruction of the Holy Temple and continues with an analysis of a prophecy of Jeremiah that hints to the future transformation of "bitterness into sweetness."

If we understand the underlying cause to the loss of the Holy Temple and the Divine presence it openly expressed, we can focus on reversing our exilic state of divine concealment.

Learn the laws and customs for the mourning period of the “Three Weeks,” which begin with the fast of 17 Tammuz, and culminates with the fast of Tisha B’Av.

The teachings of chassidus look beyond the surface of the terrible destruction of the Holy Temple and the subsequent exile, which we mourn during the 3 weeks, and finds the hidden good embedded inside—offering insight into why they’ll ultimately be transformed into joyous holidays in the times of Moshiach.

On Tisha B’av, the 9th of Av, we mourn the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple. Our sages also tell us that when Moshiach comes, Tisha B’av will become a festival when we will celebrate the building of the third and final Temple.

Why building a Temple on the Temple Mount is by necessity the first stage in making the world a G-dly place. (A Tisha B'Av study, based on the Rebbe's discourse Gadol Yihyeh K'vod Habayis Hazeh, 5722.)

Why it is illogical to say that the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and the subsequent exile, came about as a punishment for the Jewish people.

The saddest period in the Jewish calendar, when we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple – amongst a litany of other national tragedies – is commonly referred to as 'The Three Weeks'. Yet, our Sages referred to this period as '21 Days'? The answer to this innocuous question reveals an astounding new depth to both the mourning period and its inevitable resolution. (Based on Sefer Hasichos 5750)

A look at the three Haftorah portions read during the "Three Weeks" commemorating the destruction of the Holy Temple.

The mystical secrets hinted at by the numbers in the dates associated with the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem—the 17th day of Tammuz, the 9th day of Av, and the three weeks or twenty-one days between them.

This class continues to describe the reign of the Herodian kings and the events leading to the fall of the Holy Temple to the Roman Emperor, Titus.

Says the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations, “For these things I weep.” Where were the rest of the Jewish people when Jeremiah was mourning the destruction of the Holy Temple?

A precise textual analysis of ch. 4, halacha 1 of Rambam's "Laws of the Chosen House" (Hilchos Beis HaBechira) considers the historical role of the Ark in the Temple as well as its location today. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 21)

The Third Temple to be built by Moshiach corresponds to the third phase in a relationship in which opposites are harmonized and ultimate peace is achieved.

The Talmud’s narrative of the unfortunate episodes that led to the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and our subsequent exile.

During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, we mourn the loss of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem. The Torah tells us, however, that when we study the laws of the Temple’s construction, we are already rebuilding it.

The exile started with a single event, and the children have the power to end it.

Before the siege of Jerusalem, G-d commanded the prophet Ezekiel to place an iron pot around a brick symbolizing the city's siege. (Ezekiel 4:3) Iron can be a metaphor for the grave character defect of rigidity or for the deep inner strength of the Jewish people that leads to Redemption.

Study a variety of vibrant and topical subjects with scholarly teachers. These Torah classes are from a day of learning in Montreal, Canada dedicated to help bring peace to Israel on 8/3/2008.

The Midrash relates that at the beginning of the Babylonian exile, seventy years before the Jews’ return to Jerusalem, G-d instructed Ezekiel to teach them the dimensions of the Holy Temple, because when they engage in its study, G-d considers it as though they built it.

The Book of Lamentations is a sad song which contains the most heartrending prophecies of Jeremiah about the destruction of the Holy Temple and the ensuing exile. Join us for an informative and uplifting text-based study of this Biblical book, which is traditionally read on Tisha B’av.

Looking at various perspectives on the destruction of the 2nd Temple and two central approaches to tragedy. Is it proper to react with grief and mourning? Or can positivity be glimpsed through the darkness?

In the book of Eicha – authored by Jeremiah the prophet – the letter Lamed in the verse “Let it not befall you...” is written small. This symbolizes Jeremiah's role, and by extension every Jew, to be a light unto the nations.