ב"ה

Vayelech/Yom Kippur

By the Numbers
Gedaliah in the Bible

Every year, we fast to commemorate the death of Gedaliah. How much do you know about this man, and why his passing was so tragic?
14 Questions: Take the Jewish Fast Day Quiz

How well do you know the Jewish fast days? Take this quiz to find out!
Your Questions
Seudah Hamafseket

Before the Yom Kippur fast, we eat a festive meal. Many also eat a festive meal earlier in the day. Why?
What Is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a 25-hour solemn fast day, during which Jewish people pray, seek forgiveness and a fresh start both with G-d and their fellows.
Story
The Yom Kippur Drunk

The scandalized crowd was about to eject the man from the synagogue, when the Rebbe turned from the wall and said: "Let him be. For us, Yom Kippur is just beginning, but for him, it's already Simchat Torah."
How a Bicycle Mishap and Broken Finger Led to Tefillin

Riding a bike at rush hour in a country that drives on the opposite side of the road than what he was used to was challenging enough, but add to it that he was preoccupied with worry that he would be late for his appointments to collect mezuzot for checking, and it was a recipe for disaster.
Essay
Holy Thirst Quencher

While G‑d’s light might be “hidden” in a tent-like fashion, He has given us an exact prescription for access to His great love by doing actual good deeds.
After Radiation, I Never Imagined I’d Be Back on the Treadmill

I was there six days a week for several weeks. No exceptions. It was made quite clear to me that no matter how terrible I felt, I had to have radiation every day.
Lifestyle
“Lekach” Honey Cake

I have learned much from my teachers; from my colleagues more than from my teachers; and from my students more than all.
— Talmud, Taanit 7b
Print Magazine

Everyone agrees with all the wonderful advice and ethics written in the books of the sages. Everyone agrees that this is the way to run your life.

Yet each of us has our escape route, to avoid bettering our lives by changing ourselves. We ask, “Were those words truly meant for me, or perhaps for someone else in another t...