Noach: When We Ask, G-d Listens
A man once petitioned Rabbi Nosson of Breslov for a blessing to find his match. He complained that he had been seeking the right woman for many years and had still not found her. Rabbo Nosson discerned that he was slipping into despair, so …
Purim: A Basic Overview
The Story
Purim is the
holiday in which the miracle of Mordechai and Esther is celebrated. In
the year 3405 (about 350 BCE) a majority of the Jewish nation lived in
Persia. King Achashverush, spurred on by his advisor Haman, decreed
that the entire Jewish nation be executed on the Thirteenth day of the
Hebrew month …
Chanukah: A Basic Overview
The Chanukah Story
In the year 3616 (around 140 BCE) Syrian Greek King Antiochus Epipanes engaged the Jewish nation in war. He marched into the holy city of Jerusalem and desecrated the Temple. For six long years Antiochus’ army raped, pillaged and decimated the Jewish nation both spiritually and physically.A small …
Simchat Torah: A Basic Overview
Concluding the Torah
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.We read the last portion …
Sukkot: A Basic Overview
The Sukkah
The holiday of Sukkos introduces the second half of the High Holiday season. The first half is somber and reflective; the second half is celebrated with joy. In our extreme gratitude to the Almighty for granting us yet another good year, we rejoice, revel and celebrate.Sukkos falls on the …
Yom Kippur: A Basic Overview
A Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur falls on the tenth day of the year, precisely eight days after Rosh Hashanah. The first ten days of the year are called Yemai Teshuvah (days of repentance). During these days we continue to repent for our past shortcomings and resolve to do better in …
Rosh Hashanah: A Basic Overview
The Jewish New Year
The Rosh Hashanah holiday falls on the first day of the Jewish year. The Torah describes this holiday in three different ways, a day of Judgment, a day of repentance and a day of the Shofar. While there are many nuances and meanings to this holiday, it …
Concepts: Invitation
Welcome to Innerstream's “Concepts” section, where essays are posted on the Jewish milestones in the cycle of life.
If you would like to explore any of these essays please click on one of the links in the “Concepts”
section of the menu, on the left side of your screen. The menu also
contains …
Yearly Cycle: Invitation
Welcome to Innerstream's “Yearly Cycle” section, where essays are posted on Jewish holidays and other days of note.
If you would like to explore any of these essays please click on one of
the links in the “Yearly Cycle” section of the menu, on the left side of
your screen. The menu also …
Parsha Insights »
Heroic Struggles of Ordinary People
Heroic struggles are for ordinary people. Extraordinary people have no struggles. They are brilliant and gifted. Their hearts aflame with love; they are humble, kind, generous, and pious. They melt with ecstasy at the mention of G-d, and they tremble with fear at the specter of sin. They follow all …
Yearly Cycle »
B’chukotai: Are you a Diehard Jew?
Do it For G-d
Are you a fair weather fan or diehard? Growing up in Boston I knew all about Diehard fans. Fenway Park is legendary for romanticizing terrible teams and losing seasons. Fans fill the stands for hopeless contests with the same enthusiasm they muster for sure winners. I’ve never …
Concepts »
Chayei Sarah: Faith and Suffering
Does Faith Leave Room for Grief?
I was once approached by a young lady whose friend’s mother had recently died. She wanted to commiserate and cry, but was concerned that tears of grief would somehow compromise her perfect faith in G-d’s perfect benevolence. Does acknowledging the horror of a tragedy suggest …
Rabbi’s Desk »
What Can We Do?
These past two days have been the most difficult for our people in the last fifty years. It was Simchat Torah, a time for rejoicing, yet it was a time of horror. Nearly a thousand members of our family were brutally murdered, more than a hundred were taken hostage, and …
