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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...

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?

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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?

The Midrash says that Adam composed Mizmor Shir L’Yom HaShabbat after learning about the power of repentance (teshuva) from Cain. What does this chapter in Tehillim have to do with Teshuva? Haazinu usually...