10 Days of Teshuvah Video

Three easy steps to be a better Jew on the High Holidays.

Understanding the mitzvah of teshuvah, more than just repentance, rather returning to G-d, explained on five levels.

The day after Rosh Hashanah is a public fast day commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam, who was governor of the Land of Israel for a short period following the destruction of the First Temple. This day is also an especially propitious time for returning to G-d in teshuvah.

This class studies the popular psalm 130 of Shir L’Maalot Mimaamakim. The opening verses reveal powerful messages about prayers emanating from the depths of despair. The Psalmist raises our spirits with optimistic hope—showing us how to rise from sorrow on the wings of heartfelt supplication. On a more profound level, it addresses our deepest rhythms of organic spirituality, setting our inner child free in faith, feeling and sincerity. This all becomes most meaningful and relevant during the Days of Awe initiating the New Year.

What is the purpose of the Ten Days of Repentance? Is it a time of solemn introspection or a time of rejoicing? Guest Expert: Rabbi Manis Friedman. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 25)

Psalm 130 dramatically opens with powerful messages about prayers emanating from the depths. This class begins with further analysis of its euphemistic meaning. This segues into a plea: may our sins not be preserved, and may we receive pardon from Almighty G-d alone. A wide range of both exoteric and esoteric teachings are interwoven providing profound understanding of this timeless prayerful poetry. We conclude with special emphasis on why it's recited annually during the Days of Awe from Rosh Hashanah continuing through till climaxing on Yom Kippur.

In this final offering we focus on the uniquely Jewish trait of placing our hope in Hashem, and being faithfully confident in His deliverance. Our trust and continuous yearning for G-d has sustained our people for nearly two millennia of the disappointing darkness of Galut. The Royal Psalmist declares that he never loses hope, and is in a constant state of anticipation for the dawn of redemption and a new world order of true peace. Soothing our deepest fears, King David prophetically assures us that after our long suffering Exile, G-d will not judge us harshly to the rigid letter of the law, for He is the ultimate Dispenser of Mercy and yearns to redeem His children.