Many people are familiar with the oft-quoted statement of R’ Tarphon (Avos 2:15): “R’ Tarphon says: The day is short, but the workload is great...” What may come as somewhat of a surprise to some people is that this was not always the case. In fact, as we shall soon see, for a good chunk of history, the exact opposite was true. The Easy Life When perusing the [...]
Generally speaking, predatory animals are very insensitive creatures, to say the least. Take a wolf, for example. It will pounce upon a young deer and begin to make a meal out of it. The poor wretch may be writhing and moaning in pain, but the wolf is unfazed. He callously goes about his flesh-eating business, impervious to the cries of its prey. As we shall see, this [...]
The focus of this time period is, of course, the endeavor of teshuvah (repentance). While an important form of Divine service at any point during the year, during the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – known as “Aseres Yemei Teshuvah (The Ten Days of Repentance)” – this effort is particularly pertinent and the atmosphere quite conducive. It obviously behooves any earnest servant of Hashem to utilize the opportunity [...]
In one of the dramatic passages from the Yamim Nora’im liturgy, we recite: כִּי תַעֲבִיר מֶמְשֶׁלֶת זָדוֹן מִן הָאָרֶץ – “When You shall remove the dominion of evil from the earth.” What is this “Memsheles Zadon” to which the prayer refers? Last week, we cited R’ Yeruchem Olshin’s explanation that it alludes to the Heavenly accusers, Celestial representatives of the nations of the earth. At this time, they join forces against Yisrael, aiming to persuade [...]
(The following analysis of the principal Rosh Hashanah services is based in large part on an exposition by R’ Yeruchem Olshin in Yerach L’mo’adim, Yamim Nora’im I, ma’amar47, § 1-4.) In certain respects, Rosh Hashanah may seem like a confusing time. Such might be the impression one gets from a cursory glance at the day’s practices. Combination Package Of course, as we know, Rosh Hashanah is a solemn [...]
Powerful Words of Inspiration
From Rabbi Yissocher Frand
VISIT BETTER THAN A SEGULAH
A division of Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah
All contributions are tax deductible.
Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah / The Society for Mishnah Study is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
We are members of The Donors Fund and Achisomoch.
Your tax-deductible donation will enable our
network of Torah scholars to continue their
fundamental mission of providing eternal merit for
the Jewish nation.
Become a partner in the vital work of Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah and earn the invaluable merit of Torah study
for yourself as well.
