High Holiday Audio Classes

One of the emotional peaks of the Yom Kippur prayer service is a description of the ceremony performed by the High Priest in the Holy Temple.

On Yom Kippur G-d grants us true forgiveness. How is this achieved and how can we be truly forgiving in our personal relationships?

The Torah describes Yom Kippur as the Sabbath of Sabbaths. Discover the double dimension of this most holy day on the Jewish calendar.

The highlight of Yom Kippur in Temple times was the High Priest’s service in the “Holy of Holies.” What does this holiest day of the year mean to us today even in diaspora?

In addition to sounding the shofar, the Talmud discusses the role of reciting verses of kingship, remembrance, and shofar. Join an in-depth analysis of the Talmudic discussion and two different understandings of the relation between these verses and the shofar.

During Temple times, atonement on Yom Kippur was achieved through the once-a-year unique ritual of the offerings of the identical goats. However, each individual was obligated to personally repent for the sacrifices to be effective. In addition, Maimonides rules that the very day of Yom Kippur affords – then and now – atonement with the provision that the individual 'returns'. This class will explain all four components: 1) the sacrifice, 2) repentance, 3) the contribution of Yom Kippur and, 4) the meaning of 'return'. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 27)

"And it will come to pass on that day that the great shofar will sound...” The prophecy goes on to describe the in-gathering of Jews 'lost' and 'dispersed' in exile, as they return to Jerusalem in the final redemption. This class will explore the profound meaning of the “sound of the great shofar” and will reveal the startling and exhilarating secret that the sound has already begun. (Based on the Maamar V'hayah Bayom Hahu 5728)

What is the origin of this ancient prayer? Why does Jewish tradition lend so much weight and solemnity to this seemingly technical prayer of vow-annulment procedure? A historical, musical and inspirational perspective on one of the most important and holiest prayers of the year.

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

The purpose of fasting on Yom Kippur is to induce a contrite and humbled heart before the Supreme Judge. If so, why if one falls weak fasting and cannot properly repent and pray, is he to nevertheless complete the fast, even if it entails sleeping through Neilah?! This class will reveal the essence of Yom Kippur, resolving this and other paradoxes of the holiest day of the year. (Based on Likutei Sichos volumes 3, 29 and 32.)

On Rosh Hashana we read in the Haftorah about the birth of the prophet Samuel. Childless for many years, one year on Rosh Hashana, his mother Chana offered a prayer that elicited the Divine blessing resulting in his birth. The Talmud states that Chana's prayer is the model which all prayer aught emulate. This class will explain how to access the awesome power of prayer any time and especially on Rosh Hashana. (Likutei Sichos vol. 29, p.182)

This class explores the outer, inner and core dimensions of the ‘Head of the Year’ and it’s extraordinary gift of salvation and renewal.

In explaining the unique properties of the month of Elul, the Alter Rebbe invokes a parable of a loving king who comes to visit his subjects in their world, the ‘field’. An examination of the details of this parable reveals a template for successful parenting, education and marriage. (Based on Ani L’dodi 5726)

Why is Rosh Hashana observed for two days in Israel? Why do we customarily eat a new fruit on the second night of Rosh Hashanah? How is the mystery of Rosh Hashanah expressed in a law regarding a simple egg? This class addresses the history, Halacha and Kabbalah of the Jewish calendar.

One of the dominant themes of the Rosh Hashanah liturgy is the notion of G-d remembering His covenant with Man. But why the need to remember when He does not forget? This eye-opening class addresses the immanence and essence of Rosh Hashana.

Our sages reveal that G-d's ultimate objective in creation is that the world be transformed into a home for Him, which means He desires a place of privacy and intimacy. How is this to be reconciled with the more universally expressed intent for creation—that G-d's Kingship be established on earth, when monarchy and intimacy are virtually opposite states?

Is it appropriate to ask for personal needs on Rosh Hashanah? It seems to contradict the spirit of the day, where the focus is on our dedication and devotion to G-d as our king. This class will illuminate the very nature of prayer. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 19)