Audio 1546 articles

Understanding the Concept of Simchas Beis Hashoeva
Understanding the Concept of Simchas Beis Hashoeva
Why is Yosef after Moshe and Aharon in the order of Ushpizin? Why did the Tzedukim have a problem with Nisuch HaMayim more so than other rabbinic institutions? The connection between...
Oct 21, 2016
By Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer
Simchas Torah: Convergence to Infinity
Simchas Torah: Convergence to Infinity
On Hoshana Rabbah we are vindicated from the accusations of the nations of the world. Why is the holiday that follows called Simchat Torah? What is the connection? Why does staying...
Oct 13, 2016
By Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer
Sukkos: The Regel That’s an Extension of the Yomim Noraim
Sukkos: The Regel That’s an Extension of the Yomim...
Sukkot was given before the sin of the Golden Calf. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana only came about afterwards, as a result of the sin. How are they connected?
Oct 13, 2016
By Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer
Hoshana Rabbah: The Jew with No Frills – Part 2
Hoshana Rabbah: The Jew with No Frills – Part...
The proper attitude for doing for others is not “I have what to offer” but to do good because I want to do good. Whatever I have to offer is really...
Oct 13, 2016
By Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer
Hoshana Rabbah: The Jew with No Frills – Part 1
Hoshana Rabbah: The Jew with No Frills – Part...
The Arba Minim (4 species) – the lulav, etrog, aravot, and hadasim – represent our ability to perform and accomplish. The 7 Noahide laws represent the other nations’ ability to perform and...
Oct 13, 2016
By Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer
Yom Kippur: All Time
Yom Kippur: All Time
The Rambam says Yom Kippur is “the edge” of teshuva “for all”. What does he mean by “for all”? At the beginning of hilchot teshuva, he says teshuva doesn’t have a specific...
Oct 10, 2016
By Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer
Cleansing the Cosmos
Cleansing the Cosmos
The Torah uses “kapara” and “tahara” to describe Yom Kippur. It doesn’t use selicha or mechila. What is the process that begins on Rosh Hashanah that culminates on Yom Kippur with...
Oct 10, 2016
By Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer
Yom Kippur: Fission
Yom Kippur: Fission
What is it about Yom Kippur that makes it different than all the other days of the year – even from Shabbos and Yom Tov? How is Yom Kippur similar to the first...
Oct 10, 2016
By Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer
Over the Edge of Time and Space
Over the Edge of Time and Space
Yom Kippur has several “deviant” aspects to it. The Kohen Gadol is allowed to go into the Kodesh HaKodashim, we bring the Seir La’Azazel (which is offering a sacrifice to Satan!), and we use a...
Oct 10, 2016
By Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer
Tefillin on Chol HaMoed
Tefillin on Chol HaMoed
Most people don’t wear Tefillin on Chol HaMoed. What is the reason why many don’t? Why do some wear Tefillin and what is the source for their minhag?
Oct 10, 2016
By Daniel Adler

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