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Kechu (Rav Shmuel Brazil)

Kechu (Rav Shmuel Brazil)

by | Sep 10, 2021 | , , ,

The words in our selichos and our prayers for forgiveness this time of year are certainly very powerful. We may even recite them with profound feelings of remorse. However, and it might be just me, but when we return to the world outside of shul, we may forget the anguish we just felt for having behaved improperly. Therefore, the navi Hoshea (14:3) gives us the remedy, and cautions us in this week’s haftorah – קְחוּ עִמָּכֶם דְּבָרִים וְשׁוּבוּ אֶל ה׳ – That we must take these words with us – even after we have left shul – and work to transform our sincere tefillos into genuine actions of repentance.

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Welcoming the Queen (Benny Friedman)

Welcoming the Queen (Benny Friedman)

by | Aug 20, 2021 | ,

“Mi shetarach b’Erev Shabbos yochal b’Shabbos – One who toils on Erev Shabbos will eat on Shabbos” (Avodah Zara 3a). Erev Shabbos: a special time of the week. Elul: a special month of the year. Combined, they enable us to open the door to our Beloved – to welcome in the Divine. The connection is closer than you think.

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V’hareinu (Simchatone)

V’hareinu (Simchatone)

by | Jun 25, 2021 | ,

This Shabbos, it is especially fitting that we keep in mind the words of Retzei: “…she’lo te’hei tzarah v’yagon va’anacha b’yom menuchaseinu…,” that there be no distress, no grief, no pain or suffering for ourselves or for any of our fellow Yidden, “v’hareinu Hashem Elokeinu b’nechamas Tzion irecha…,” that we merit to bear witness to the ultimate comfort – the nechamas Tzion – with the immediate rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash.

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Hinei Kel (Shalsheles)

Hinei Kel (Shalsheles)

by | May 4, 2021 | , ,

At the end of every Shabbos, as we begin Havdalah and prepare ourselves for yet another week of unknown, we do so by symbolically overflowing our cups with the sweet blessing we hope and pray will fill our lives. With the words that we say each Motzei Shabbos, we confirm our belief in this Divine blessing, while at the same time acknowledging our firm trust in its Source.

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Na’ar Hayisi

Na’ar Hayisi

by | Apr 9, 2021 | ,

Jewish a cappella. When people ask me for my opinion on the history of this genre (and if I’m being honest, even when they don’t ask me for my opinion), I tell them where I think modern Jewish a cappella got its start.
Three brothers. Two words: Kol Achai

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Layehudim (Shenker)

Layehudim (Shenker)

by | Feb 14, 2021 | ,

While composed with Havdalah in mind, it has since become one of the most well-known Purim songs of all-time. However, as we have now learned, this is much more than just a seasonal tune. Layehudim contains a lesson that applies as much to us now, as we approach the upcoming holiday, as it does every week, as we extinguish the light of the Havdalah candle.

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Menucha V’simcha (Miami)

Menucha V’simcha (Miami)

by | Feb 12, 2021 | ,

For the first time in six days, we have the ability to exhale. We are finally able to identify and testify that Hashem is the Creator of the world, and with that comes the serenity and bliss for which Shabbos is best known. To have such clarity – to know that He is the One in charge – is what rids us of our worries and allows us to experience both menucha AND simcha at the same time.

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