Every Shabbos during services we read a portion from the Torah. It takes a full year to complete the entire cycle of the Torah reading. The last day of the High Holiday season is devoted to celebrating the annual completion of the Torah reading.   more »

When the soul chooses to dance life is affirmed. Even the murderous Nazi machine cannot overtake the dancing soul.   more »

At the height of our celebration, when we are most confident in our own piety, we are reminded of the power of repentance. Lest we sin again, we are reminded to never despair. Sin closes one door, but opens another. It closes the door to piety, but opens the door to repentance. The latter is far larger than the former. Rather than perceive our sins as barriers, we are encouraged to view them as opportunities for repentance.   more »

here are two Mitzvahs that are specifically intended for the holiday of Sukkos, eating in the Sukkah (outdoor hut covered with S?chach, tree branches) and the blessing of the four species. The mitzvah designated for the holiday of Simchas Torah is the dancing and rejoicing of young and old with the sacred and precious Torah scrolls.   more »

When was the last time you spent an entire year reading a two thousand-page novel and then launched into a second reading of it on the very day you finished? When was the last time you spent an entire year reading this novel for the second time and then launched into a third reading of it on the very day you finished it again?   more »